The fragmentation of the e-mail systems causes confusion among users. Additionally, the Prime computer, where the majority of students have their e-mail accounts, is not Year 2000 compliant. This provides additional justification for replacing it. This causes confusion and inefficiency. Additionally, the e-mail servers have dissimilar protocols.
Some servers make it difficult for users to check their mail from more than one location.
Many e-mail programs use cryptic text commands rather than a point and click graphical interface. Some do not allow attachments to be made easily. Also, directory services are not currently supported by some of the e-mail services, nor are shared folders. One, the server-side component, is where messages are distributed and stored. The other, the client-side component, is where messages are retrieved, composed, and may be stored.