Using a dedicated server may not be the only prerequisite for successfully operating and maintaining a hosting site. There are other concerns like attending to client queries and replying to their mails proactively. On the part of the clients too it is important to access instant updates and messages as sent by the website hosting company in their mail box. It is keeping this need into consideration that new interfaces are introduced that when configured with a mailing service makes it possible for people to get mails downloaded to their local computers automatically.
The Post Office Protocol version 3 or (POP3) is one such interface that can be configured with Outlook express. The interface makes it possible for users to receive emails from a remote server to local email accounts. Then the emails can be downloaded on local computer and can be read even if the user is offline. POP3 is a protocol that allows users to stay connected with a client who sends messages into the mailbox. Email messages are downloaded to local computers with the aid the POP3 interface and are read even when one is offline. So, hosting service providers can stay updated about their client’s needs and queries with the aid of the POP3. Clients too can keep on receiving messages as sent by hosting service providers in their hosting account mailbox. Desktop mail software that can be used with the POP3 is Outlook, Outlook Express, Thunderbird, Eudora, etc. Users can bypass logging-in to their hosting account every-time for viewing new messages. Another great advantage of POP3 is it frees up account space automatically, the reason for which is POP3 erases message from the server immediately after it is downloaded.
‘IMAP’, is another similar protocol that can be used for accessing messages on one’s local computer even when one is off-line. The difference between POP3 and IMAP is that POP3 allows a single client to be connected to the mailbox, whereas the IMAP protocol allows the simultaneous access of multiple clients. That means IMAP is suitable if the mailbox is managed by multiple users.











