Running Your Own Inhouse E-mail Server

A mail server is dedicated to managing the transmission of message (electronic mail) electronically over computer networks. As electronic mail systems are based on client-server architecture, software application like Netscape Communicator or Outlook Express running on your PC is an electronic mail client. With it, users on the network can easily send, receive and organize their electronic messages through the user-friendly interface. 

Electronic mail (email) is sent from the email client to the mail server which then forwards the e-mail to its intended destination, or vice versa. In other words, both client and server programs communicate with each other to distribute information. Mail servers are either in house or at your ISP.

In-house mail servers for businesses are growing in popularity. They offer increased speed for inter-office email, are more secure for in-house transmissions, because the email never travels through the Internet; it stays in your local network. This also allows the administrator to make quick email configuration, such as adding and deleting users, without having to call the ISP and asking them to them make the changes.

It's easy (and cost-effective) when adding new accounts because you do not pay for e-mail accounts. This is convenient when adding new employees to the company. It is easy to set up aliases such as "info, sales, help, webmaster, etc" because the administrator can control the process. Most mail servers offer the ability to create a mailing list. This is helpful when you need to contact your customers or suppliers on a regular basis. Many mail servers also include a webmail component, that allows your employees to check the server for new messages from their laptop or handheld device (such as a Palm Pilot, HP iPAQ, etc.)

The PowerElf II Server Appliance includes POP3, IMAP, SMTP and webmail services, and can even be set up by a non-technical person.