Efficacy of E-Mail

             When considering the statistic that “more than 94%of Internet-connected American adults use e-mail,” it is safe to assume that most people are fluent with e-mail transactions. Perhaps it’s because of this fact that marketers intend to increase their email advertising budgets over the next year. The immediate advantages of e-mail, including that of speed, affordability, and accessibility are obvious and beneficial to both individuals and businesses. But the actual components of the system may not be so familiar.

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                Beginning with an e-mail client, such as Microsoft Outlook, an account is set up to support the creation and transference of various e-mail communications. Once synced to a particular e-mail address, the messages are transferred via TCP/IP suites and packet switching. A DNS server determines the path of the messages and directs them through several alternate routers until arriving at a designated mail server.

                Depending upon the e-mail client, messages may be handled in different ways. Through a POP server, all messages are downloaded and stored onto the customer’s computer. Though all mail is managed by the server, all messages must be managed from the customer’s computer. An IMAP mail server, however, stores and maintains all messages on the server, allowing the customer more flexibility in their e-mail management. IMAP also allows synchronizing accessibility from differing computers.

       An e-mail could be as simple as plain text message addressed to a single recipient, or an elaborate formal communication to several addressees. It could include a lengthy message, graphics, attached files, and links to pertinent web pages. A customer can receive, compose, and send messages instantly anywhere at any time. But always keep in mind that e-mails are also very impersonal and, because they lack tone or expression, can be misconstrued.  

Lorette, Kristie. “The Use of Email in Business Communication.” CHRON Small Business. Demand Media, 2013. 26 Nov. 2013. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/use-email-business-communication-118.html

Shelly, Gary B., and Jennifer T. Campbell, Discovering the Internet: Complete, Fourth Edition.  Boston: Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Smith, Lauren. “Email Preferred Communication Channel; Commands More Clicks & ROI.” Litmus. 20 Febuary, 2013. 26 Nov. 2013. https://litmus.com/blog/email-preferred-more-clicks-conversions-roi