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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