E-mail Strategies – The 3 Types of Internet Hosting

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By Mike Barnett

RISMEDIA, April 18, 2008-When most people hear the word “hosting” in the context of the Internet, their first thought is website hosting. However, there are actually three types of hosting: the aforementioned Web hosting, domain hosting and e-mail hosting.

Each type of hosting has its own value and importance. For this month, however, we will discuss e-mail hosting.

Here are some things to look for in choosing an e-mail host:

- Your e-mail host should track (log) each e-mail communication (both inbound and outbound).
- Your e-mail host should continually monitor all inbound and outbound communication logs looking for new trends or possible intrusions (spammers).
- Your e-mail host should respond quickly to your requests (preferably within 24 hours of the request, both weekdays and weekends). The Internet is open 24/7/365 and when your e-mail is down, it can cause serious stress.

Don’t hesitate to contact your e-mail host if you suspect an e-mail didn’t arrive or didn’t get delivered properly. Normally, by knowing the sender’s e-mail address and the address the e-mail was supposed to be delivered to, the e-mail host should be able to determine the results.

When a delivery issue is determined, your e-mail host should work with you and, when appropriate, “white list” senders who are having problems delivering e-mail to you. On the converse, if you are receiving unwanted e-mail, your host should help you with rules to eliminate the unwanted communication either by “black-listing” the sender or moving their e-mail to a special folder-or just deleting it.

One of the most important aspects to look for in an e-mail host is that it should have a system that keeps you in the loop. It is one thing to be working on an issue-it is another to keep the customer informed as the progress is under way.

The most important factor to look for in an e-mail host is their customer service. Ask your e-mail host for referrals and references and have them answer all your questions before you move your e-mail hosting to them.

Look at your options before making a decision in any one hosting category.

For more on domains and hosting, visit http://Domains.RealTown.com.

Mike Barnett is CTO/VP of Technology for InternetCrusade’s RealTown.com. For more information, please visit www.realtown.com or e-mail Mike@e-mailHeaven.RealTown.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

For related articles by Mike Barnett, see:

• How Realtors Can Use Auto-Responders Correctly  
  How to Know If You’ve Found ‘the One’
  E-mail Strategies – Client-Side vs. Server-Side