The IMAP abbreviation stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. It works by keeping your devices constantly in sync with the mail server, but like POP3, emails can also be accessed without an Internet connection (providing the whole email message was downloaded before disconnection). For example, if a message is deleted by a desktop email program, the program will sync with the email server, and all of the other devices (tablet, iMac, etc.) will update to reflect the changes. If your business uses a central mailbox that multiple people need to access, or you need to be free to check email from multiple locations, IMAP protocol is your overseas data best choice for email hosting.
Meanwhile, IMAP IDLE is a protocol extension that helps the server send real-time updates to a client. With the IMAP IDLE, the new message can be synced immediately.
POP3 vs. IMAP
There are two ways to receive emails: via the protocols POP (Post Office Protocol), or POP3 and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol). While POP has been the most popular protocol (ISPs promote it as their default, and preferred method), IMAP is viewed as the most efficient way to handle email. Email hosts recognize that IMAP is a more sensible way to use email, irrespective of the fact that it requires more resources on their side.
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