Since the dawn of the Internet, electronic mail, or e-mail, has gone through a number of changes. From something that was once only available as an inter-office messaging system, this technology now allows users to check their e-mail from their phone regardless of where they are in the world. Here are some changes that have taken place over the last few decades regarding this technology.
E-Mail Hosting
There was a time when most companies that offered e-mail hosting charged for their services. People were paying $9.95 a month and even more just for the luxury of having an e-mail address. Today, however, paying for a basic e-mail service is almost unheard of. The only time people pay for their e-mail accounts these days is if the host provides more services along with the e-mail. Even then, many companies still offer free addresses.
Instant Messaging
Some e-mail providers offer instant messaging services that allow you to chat in real-time with other people who are online. This is faster than e-mail messages because it goes directly to the person’s screen without the individual having to check the messages. The person doesn’t have to open anything up; the message is simply there, waiting for a response. Many e-mail services provide a sound or a visual alert to let you know when a new instant message comes in, too.
Storage Space
Before the Internet became such a staple for everyday life, you could only store a certain number of emails in an account with many providers. However, some e-mail providers are now offering unlimited storage of emails regardless of how many you have. You can create folders and organize your emails, too, so they are easier to find when you are searching for something in particular.
As technology continues to evolve, you can be sure e-mail hosting will, too.
