SocketTools IMAP Toolbox

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SocketTools IMAP Toolbox Overview
The Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) is an application protocol which is functionally similar to the Post Office Protocol (POP3). However, unlike POP3 where messages are downloaded and processed on the local system, the messages on an IMAP server are retained on the server and processed remotely. This is ideal for users who need access to a centralized store of messages or have limited bandwidth. For example, netbook users or mobile users on a wireless network would be ideal candidates for using IMAP. Another advantage that IMAP has is support for multiple mailboxes. Rather than just accessing the user's Inbox, the IMAP protocol allows users to create additional mailbox folders, store, delete and retrieve messages from them, as well as move messages from one mailbox to another. Mailboxes can also contain other mailboxes, supporting a hierarchical structure. The SocketTools IMAP Toolbox gives you complete control over the mailboxes and messages stored in them, enabling your application to integrate mail client functionality in your own application. Here's an overview of just some of this product's features:

• Includes managed .NET classes compatible Visual Studio 2003/2005/2008/2010
• Includes an ATL-based ActiveX control compatible with Visual Basic 6.0 and many other languages
• Includes a standard Windows dynamic link library (DLL) and C++ class
• Manage multiple mailboxes for the same user account
• Download messages from the mail server to the local system
• Search for specific messages that meet the criteria that you specify
• Compose and upload messages to a mailbox
• Support for the industry standard SSL and TLS protocols with up to 256-bit encryption
• Includes both high level and lower level interfaces for maximum flexibility
• Support for custom commands and protocol extensions
• Low resource utilization and no external dependencies on third-party libraries
• Support for both synchronous and asynchronous network connections
• Thread-safe implementation with full support for multithreaded applications
• An extensive Developer's Guide and online Technical Reference
• A professional technical support staff and extensive online support resources
• No runtime licensing fees or additional royalties, unlimited redistribution to end-users
• A a trusted company with over 10 years experience developing Internet components

Secure Connections
The IMAP Toolbox components support secure connections using SSL and TLS. Data is encrypted using industry standard protocols, protecting both the client authentication credentials and the data that is being exchanged. Enabling the security features in your application is typically as simple as setting a single property or specifying an additional connection option. SocketTools supports strong encryption up to 256 bits and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cipher, among several others. The data encryption is handled transparently, with no special knowledge required on your part, and does not depend on any external third-party libraries. SocketTools also supports certificate validation and authentication using client certificates. The SocketTools IMAP Toolbox provides reliable connections to secure servers, ensuring that your data is always protected.

Toolbox Component
The SocketTools IMAP Toolbox includes a .NET class for managed code development in Visual C# and Visual Basic .NET, an ActiveX control for development in Visual Basic 6.0, and a standard Windows DLL that can be used with virtually any Windows programming language. Because the Toolbox package includes each of these component types, it ensures that you can use SocketTools with the development platform and tools of your choice, without limitations or workarounds. If you're working in C++, you can use the DLL and the C++ class that's included. If you're working in C#, you can use the managed class that's supported on versions 1.1, 2.0, 3.5 and 4.0 of the .NET Framework. If you're working with legacy code in Visual Basic 6.0, using languages like Visual FoxPro or PowerBuilder, or need to write some scripting code, you can use the ActiveX control. With the SocketTools Toolbox, you have the freedom to choose what best meets your specific needs for any type of project.