Implementing a mail server is still the best way to set up an e-mail system. A few benefits of mail servers include centralized management, backups, mailbox synchronization and remote access. Apple's PowerShare server adds not only a mail server, but enterprisewide resource directory organization. Right out of the box, PowerTalk users can begin passing mail messages back and forth. Binary, text, speech and graphics files may be inserted into any mail message.
Users can also make their own personal catalog by copying an address from the global listing.
Since the mail boxes are on individual desktops, which tend to be turned on in the morning and off at night, the mailstop may not be available all the time. The PowerTalk mailer attempts delivery every 15 minutes for five days. After that point, the sender is alerted that the message was not sent successfully. Keeping your mailbox on a PowerBook may solve some problems, but not many. E-mail becomes widely used very quickly and the communications are worthy of being backed up.