Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)

The SocketTools IMAP ActiveX control is used to access a user's e-mail messages which are stored on a mail server. You can retrieve messages, or just certain parts of a message, create and manage mailboxes, search for specific messages based on certain criteria. For more information and to download a free, fully functional evaluation copy of SocketTools, please select one of the following links:

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Product 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 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 control 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 control's features:

  • An ATL-based ActiveX control compatible with Visual Basic 6.0 and many other languages
  • 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
  • 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
  • We're a trusted company with over 15 years experience developing Internet components

Secure Connections

The IMAP control supports 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 control provides reliable connections to secure servers, ensuring that your data is always protected.

SocketTools ActiveX Edition

The SocketTools ActiveX Edition includes ActiveX controls that can be used with a wide variety of visual programming languages, such as Visual Basic 6.0 and PowerBuilder. The controls can be placed on a form using a visual designer, or they can be referenced and created dynamically without a form. They can also be created as automation objects, which allows them to be used with scripting languages such as VBScript. In addition to this IMAP control, the SocketTools ActiveX Edition includes controls for a wide variety of protocols, including everything you need to create Internet enabled applications quickly and easily.
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