The launch of ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) in September 2003, undoubtedly helped revolutionise Internet connectivity in SA.
Finally, here was an Internet connection that was not only fast, always on and cost-effective, but also helped to fill the vast gap between ISDN and leased lines (Diginet) connectivity.
However, as wonderful as ASDL is, it is not without its quirks like the inability to operate on a static IP address but rather with a dynamic IP address.
Using a dynamic IP address means that ADSL cannot be connected directly to some mail servers. This means that companies or individuals have to use POP 3 or mailspooling mailboxes to catch and send their mail.
At least that has been the case until Johannesburg based Internet service provider, Interprise (Pty) Ltd, launched On-Demand Mail Relay (ODMR) earlier this year.
Simply put, ODMR is functionally similar to multidrop POP3, but uses the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) standard with dynamic IP addresses instead of static IP addresses to deliver the mail. This allows users to connect to Interprise`s servers, authenticate and request e-mail using a dynamic IP address from any Internet connection.
Once the user requests e-mail, the roles of client and server reverse, and normal SMTP is used to deliver the mail. This circumvents the problems associated with local distribution of downloaded multidrop POP mailboxes such as incorrectly delivered or "lost" mail from mailing lists or people that use BCC to send their mail.
Says Interprise managing director, Pat Wallace: "As a large seller of ADSL throughout SA, we recognised a need in the market for a product like ODMR to allow ADSL customers to use their mail servers to full effect. We researched the options available and took a decision to launch ODMR. We haven`t looked back since."
Interpise`s ODMR facility is priced at R200 per month, over and above the ADSL package prices and Telkom costs. For more information, contact telesales at Interprise on 0861 171717 or e-mail sales@interprise.co.za.
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