IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

IMAP is a method of accessing email stored on a central server. Users have access to their mail from any location and / or any device that supports IMAP mail access. There is no need to transfer files as there would be in POP and mail is managed by the user. The Protocol includes methods for manipulating mail and folders including the calendar and contacts modules. IMAP falls down when there is no INTERNET connection as mail is not stored locally on the client machine unless specifically requested for download.