From: SMTP%"Info-VAX-Request@Mvb.Saic.Com" 15-SEP-1994 09:07:22.94 To: EVERHART CC: Subj: RE: mail program --- can we give machines free spooling? X-Newsgroups: comp.os.vms From: tillman@swdev.si.com (Brian Tillman) Subject: RE: mail program --- can we give machines free spooling? Message-Id: <14SEP94.13571004@swdev.si.com> Sender: news@esseye.si.com Nntp-Posting-Host: terwed.si.com Organization: Smiths Industries Aerospace & Defense Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 13:57:10 GMT Lines: 54 To: Info-VAX@Mvb.Saic.Com X-Gateway-Source-Info: USENET In a previous article, VMETZE@vmetze.mrl.uiuc.edu wrote: > I am not complaining about the protocol. I am not blaming > problems on the protocol. I have tried very hard not to > discuss the protocol at all. My original question was whether > anyone was aware of a non-smtp mailer that ran across platforms. > > I have simply tried to point out that there are problems with > the present system which have nothing to do with the protocol > and try to suggest that we get a better system. When you first asked this question, I told you about cc:Mail having user agents for Unix (Sun) systems, PCs, and Macs and that it does not use SMTP to accomplish this. As this discussion has evolved, however, you've described desires that are unmet by any present mail system. The problem of what to do if the target host is down, how to obtain more feedback about delivery or non-delivery and several other items are also problems that apply to mail systems like cc:Mail (and VMS Mail) as well. Your restatement of your original question plus the messages which followed the original question indicate to me that you believe mail systems not employing SMTP will necessarily deal more effectively with what you see as deficiencies. This isn't the case. However, every single player in the commercial (and most likely non-commercial) mail provider business has considered each of these problems long and hard, because they are inherent in the very nature of mail delivery systems. The present systems are well-considered compromises, each implementing the vendors trade-offs. Trade-offs are necessary because many of a mail system's design criteria are at odds with one another. May I suggest your company join the Electronic Messaging Association? This association, whose members include Advantis, AT&T EasyLink Services, BT North America, CompuServe, Control Data Systems, Digital Equipment, EICON Technology, France Telecom Transpac, GE Information Services, Hewlett-Packard, Infonet Software Solutions, ISOCOR, ISODE Consortium, Lotus, Lotus ICG (formerly Soft*Switch), Microsoft, Motorola, Novell, WordPerfect, and Worldtalk, is working on providing the next generation of electronic message exchange. They can better help you understand the problems inherent in timely, reliable, eleoctronic messaging and perhaps be open to any suggestions you may have on solving the problems you see. Reach them at: Electronic Messaging Association 1655 N. Fort Myer Dr. #850 Arlington, VA 22209 Voice: 703-524-5550 FAX: 703-524-5558 You can also contact them via Email: use either X.400 (S=info; O=ema; A=mci; C=us) or Internet (info@ema.org). -----------------------------+-------------------------------- Brian Tillman | Internet: tillman@swdev.si.com Smiths Industries, Inc. | tillman_brian@si.com 4141 Eastern Ave., MS129 | Hey, I said this stuff myself. Grand Rapids, MI 49518-8727 | My company has no part in it. -----------------------------+--------------------------------