HTTP vs. POP vs. IMAP vs. Exchange

HTTP vs. POP vs. IMAP vs. Exchange

HTTP
Web-based email
Not made for access other than the web
Some HTTP accounts can be checked given the right client tool (like Outlook can check Hotmail)
POP
Not made for keeping multiple computers/devices and web in sync
Generally, mail is downloaded from the server upon checking it (unless you use a tool like Outlook which has the ability to leave it on the server)
Even if you leave messages on the server, if you delete on remote device, it will not delete on the server (unless you have a client tool like Outlook which will give you some options)
If you send from remote device, it is not pushed to a sent items folders on the server
Only brings messages down in the Inbox (not sub-folders)
No good push capability for mobile devices (as of this writing)
POP is low cost
Most personal email accounts use POP (i.e. Gmail)

IMAP
Keeps multiple computers/devices and web in sync
Mail is left on the server when checked
Inbox and sub-folders are brought down to client machine/device
Push mail available on mobile devices, but many complain of poor support
Newer than POP
Catching on among personal users who do not have Exchange
Exchange
The most robust email platform
Mail is kept on the server
Allows calendar, tasks, notes, etc. in addition to email
Allows group collaboration of calendars, etc. when used in a group environment
Excellent about keeping everything (PCs/mobile devices/web) in sync
Push email for mobile devices (Blackberry and non-Blackberry with Exchange ActiveSync)
Pretty much the standard for medium size and enterprise email/collaboration
Expensive
Gaining popularity among small businesses and personal users as it becomes more affordable
…maybe, one day, I’ll turn this into a more complete chart of features to allow for generic comparison. But I will note, that there is a different connotation, a different aura that doesn’t fit into a particular feature list about each of these. For now, I will suggest that you should use Exchange since you are a blog reader of mine and are therefore technically-savvy, business-savvy, and/or someone who copies what I do since I know what I’m doing.