POP vs. IMAP
This is among the most fundamental characteristics of email systems for business. POP translates to Post Office Protocol. This is the original email protocol that was created in 1984. This setup will download emails from a remote server. Alternatively, IMAP, which stands for Internet Message Access Protocol, allows remote access to emails that are stored on a remote server. In simpler terms, both of these protocols for email systems have their pros and cons, but POP downloads your emails for permanent local storage while IMAP is essentially a form of cloud storage.
Branding Capabilities
Now that you have the fundamentals out of the way for your business email system, you can move into some supplementary decisions that can also have a major impact on your business operation. Many small businesses opt for “This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..” How often do you receive an email from a Gmail or Yahoo address and think “this looks like a really professional company, I’d like to do business with them.” Probably not all that frequently. Realistically, there is no reason not to add a branded domain to your email address because there’s no additional cost or expertise required to do so. Most mail clients you are already familiar with have business-oriented capabilities that allow you to brand your email communications.
Email Security
In a digitally-centric age, the online threats that could cause problems for your business are rampant. From hackers to malware and everything in between, security has become a central factor in deciding on email systems for business. Depending on your industry, you may require more security than others. It’s important to look at the options before disaster strikes to prevent any downtime in your operation. A few things you’ll want to consider are:
- Internal email policies
- Virus prevention and safety training
- Regular password updates or management software
- Ongoing email backups
- Two-factor authentication
Some of these security measures may seem tedious when choosing email systems for business, but they are essential to protecting your organization from threats. Be sure to confirm integration capabilities for all the security measures you’d like to implement.
Additional Integrations
Last, but not least, you’ll want to consider what other features you’d like to be a part of your email system for business. Do you need messenger capabilities for your employees to chat internally? Do you need a calendar integration that allows for easy event scheduling? These supplementary features that are closely tied to your daily internal and external communication efforts will be key to identifying the right email systems for your business.
Get The Right Email Systems For Business With HCWT
While email may seem like a miniscule part of the grand scheme of your business operation, it is an essential element to your internal and external communication. Identifying what you need from an email system for business and then finding the supporting technology to carry that out doesn’t have to be an additional hassle for you as a business owner.
Contact the business email systems experts at High Country to learn more about our recommendations for different business needs.