IMAP is an Internet protocol designed to enable synchronized access to email from multiple devices and email programs.

IMAP is quite different from the older POP3 (Post Office Protocol v3) mainly because an IMAP compatible email program works directly with email stored on the mail server.

Typically a POP3 compatible email program would download all your mail from the mail server to your computer, and then delete it from the server.

The trouble with this approach is that if you wanted to access the same email from a different computer, or from a handheld device, you'd be out of luck, as the email would already have been deleted from the server.

In contrast, IMAP compatible email programs manipulate messages directly on the server. This ensures that you always see a consistent view of your mailbox from all the devices you use to access your mail.

How IMAP works

For illustration, let's say you use three devices on a regular basis: a handheld PC with a GPRS Internet connection while on the move, a laptop as your main personal computer, and a fast desktop machine at work.

You can set up the same IMAP account on all these devices. You will be able to access all your mail folders and send mail from any device.

When you delete a message or file it into a different folder using the laptop, the message will be refiled or deleted directly on the server, which means that the change will be instantly visible in your mail program on the desktop as well as the handheld.

So you always see the same messages in your mail folders, no matter which device you're using.

Nifty IMAP tricks

Because IMAP handles messages directly on the server, it can provide a lot of flexibility in managing messages. Some nifty IMAP tricks include:

• When you save a draft from the email program on any of your devices, you can call it up on any of the others and continue editing it or send it.

• When you send a message from any of the devices, you can refer to it later in the sent mail folder on any of the others.

• When you're on the move you can just download all the message headers from your IMAP account to your handheld PC. Based on the Subject and From lines you can decide to download some complete messages for viewing, and mark some messages for deletion.

• You could even have your desktop computer set to automatically check and file email into different folders using rules you've set up before.

  Most email programs for handheld PCs don't offer the sophisticated filtering rules available on desktop email programs, so it would make sense to use the desktop PC to apply the rules.

  The interesting part is that the messages sorted by your desktop PC will appear properly sorted into the right folders when viewed on the handheld PC via IMAP, as the changes are synchronized through the server.

Stay secure

Our IMAP service provides full SSL session encryption for IMAP access, so you can read your email without exposing yourself to privacy threats such as hackers and identity thieves, or nosy employers, neighbours and government agencies.

For added security we offer the option of two factor authentication with a hardware token (requires a compatible email program and the purchase of a hardware token) which eliminates the threat of having your account access details stolen by malicious programs that may be infecting a computer you use to access your account.

We also provide state-of-the-art anti-spam and anti-virus systems to eliminate virus and malware threats and identify junk mail, as well as unlimited disposable email addresses - all integrated into a single service.

We're so sure you'll love the service that we offer a watertight, unconditional 30-day money back guarantee if you're not completely happy with your account for any reason. So try Neomailbox risk-free - sign up now.

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IMAP Email Summary: We provide you with access to a secure IMAP email server. Access your email from any device and keep your mailboxes synchronized on all devices. Our email outsourcing solution is reliable, full featured email with POP and IMAP services, high security, anti-virus and anti-spam protection for your business to defend against computer viruses and costly spam. Outsource your email with Neomailbox.