Internet Message Access Protocol
A protocol for email retrieval and storage developed by Mark Crispin in 1986
Alternative to POP(post office protocol)
Application layer protocol - allows an email client to access email on a remote mail server
Port 143
Supports both online and offline modes of operation
Advantages over POP:
Connected and disconnected modes of operation
Multiple clients simultaneously connected to the same mail box
Access to MIME messaging parts and partial fetch
Messages state information
Multiple mailboxes on the server
Server-side searches
Built-in extension mechanism
Disadvantages:
Criticised for being insufficiently strict and allowing behaviours that effectively negate its usefulness
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