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Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Introduced
This protocol standardized the way in which computers send emails to an email server. The need to standardize communications between devices became apparent as more and more computers were being connected to one another throughout the 1970's specifically in the US government's ARPANET system. SMTP defines the set of instructions needed transfer a message from a mail client to a mail server, and also the instructions on what to do with that information once it arrives. Inventor: John Postel -
IMAP introduced
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) allows users to access mail on a mail server from multiple different email clients (i.e. a work computer AND a home computer) Unlike POP3, this protocol only deletes message when instructed to by a user. This is beneficial for professionals who may need to work in multiple different locations, and greatly expanded the ability to check email anywhere. Inventor: Mark Crispin -
Introduction of POP3
Post Office Protocol is used to retrieve email messages from an email server. POP's 1 and 2 were introduced in 1984 and 1984 respectively, however, POP3 is the protocol in most common use today. POP3 was designed for email clients that are not always connected to the internet. When using the POP3 protocol, a user employs their mail client to retrieve messages stored on a mail server. Once the messages are retrieved by the device, they are deleted from the server. Inventor: Mark Crispin -
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Spam Filtration
As email systems developed and improved over time, their usage became more common in every day life. Clever marketers and malicious actors found ways to use email to their advantage, and would send out unwanted messages, or Spam, to achieve their end goals. Email providers became aware of this, and have combatted spam through a multitude of increasingly complex methods. Verifying trusted servers, blocking specific domains, using keyword searches and much more are all examples of spam filtration -
Exchange Servers
If we think of POP3 and IMAP protocols as bridges, they would be one or two lane bridges. Exchange servers would be more like a modern superhighway bridge. Exchange servers allow users to keep multiple devices connected to an email server, with message retrieval, transmission and storage capabilities taking place simultaneously. This is what allows a user to receive their business email on their laptop, work computer and smartphone at the same time. Inventor: Microsoft