POP protocol uses network bandwidth more efficiently because email is downloaded once and stays on computer. Therefore it is suitable for those who are using slow Internet connection. It also frees up mailbox space on mail servers. However, IMAP still has more attractive advantages - especially in a large enterprise environment with an internal email server.
Rescuing interrupted webmail status
There have been many instances where large email services such as Gmail or Yahoo have suddenly crashed and cannot be accessed via the browser, but users who use IMAP can still receive email normally. Although this situation rarely occurs, it is clear that there are many ways to access the email box. Most email service providers allow the use of IMAP, but many of these require users to pay a recurring fee.
Although Yahoo charges for using IMAP as well as POP3, iPhone users will be able to use Yahoo IMAP for free (on this machine).Meanwhile, Gmail offers both IMAP and POP3 completely free.
Convert Email management application or platform to use more easily
A nice day, you feel that Outlook is no longer suitable for a job but wants to switch to using Thunderbirn or Eudora. With POP3, you will have to backup or convert the available email pile to the new application. Operations such as e-mail delivery to file, transfer to new platforms, compatibility factors, risk of data loss can contribute many frustrated people - including experienced users.
With IMAP, all such obstacles disappear. The conversion is simply the operation of entering personal information into the new Email software and then changing some settings, then you have to wait for the data to be downloaded from the server. All information such as folders containing emails, email properties and how you arrange and organize mailboxes are perfectly maintained.
Check Email on any device
Except that you want to check Email on many different computers or mobile phones, Internet browsing devices . for example, from Windows to Mac OS X, Linux . or from iPhone to Symbian devices, Windows Mobile . then, you just need to open the Email management software on it and set up an account to access via IMAP.
Save a copy of the email
With POP 3, you always have to back up any email content on your device. However, due to the characteristics of IMAP, it is possible to save a copy of an email on a local machine and a copy on a mail server will limit the risk of loss. For example, in case the laptop is stolen, the hard disk is broken . then all your emails are still safe. Conversely, when the mail server fails, you still have a backup copy right in your computers.