Email hosting may not seem like a big deal to you, considering all of things to think about when launching a new internet business, but trust me when I tell you that problems with email is one of the most frustrating things you'll ever deal with in an internet-based business.

In an internet-based business, the majority (if not all) of your communications with customers are conducted via email.

Sure, some internet-based businesses have phone service and offer their phone numbers to customers and potential customers for the purpose of asking questions, calling in orders or obtaining support.

But, the online customer is more apt to contact an internet-based business via email or through the use of contact forms provided on the business's website.

Notification of communications submitted through online contact forms or order forms are also generally presented to the business in the form of email.

As you can see, the very nature of an internet-based business makes it highly dependent on email, not only as a medium for communications, but also for operations.

Email difficulties or downtime can literally shut an internet- based business down causing lost sales and poor customer service. Lost revenues and customer dissatisfaction are the results, not to mention the aggravation and resulting frustration.

Looking at things from that realistic angle, you can see that email hosting is a business function that not only deserves, but demands your attention.

So, you're probably asking, "What are the aspects of email hosting that need my attention?"

In most cases, you won't choose an email host independent of your web host because most businesses do (and should) use email addresses that contain their domain name.

You can have an email host that is separate from your web host, but there is really no reason for it since the hosting of email is generally a feature of web hosting packages.

I definitely do not recommend using free email services for your business communications. YourCompanyName@hotmail.com - seriously, how professional is that?

When you use the email options that are part of your web hosting plan, your domain name will be part of your email address which will present a much more professional image.

Other advantages of using professional versus free email hosting services are enhanced options and fewer limitations.

When choosing a web host, you should be concerned with the hosting company's secure server capabilities, the speed of their servers, the space you are allowed on the server, and the access alternatives they provide.

Access to server logs and reports is important as is the availability of certain scripts and software. You also want to make sure that your web host has been in business for awhile, is well established and is reliable.

A good web host or email host should be able to guaranty at least 99% uptime since downtime can be a serious hindrance to your internet-based business.

The web host's backup procedures are also of importance as is their technical support services.

In regard to email features that accompany your website hosting package, full email services should be provided.

Email services should include unlimited email aliases, the ability to set up auto-responders, and web-based access and administration features.

If you exchange files via email, it is important that there are no restrictions on the size or type of files that you can exchange. And of course, reliability is crucial as is immediate access to technical support when you need it.

Email hosting that uses IMAP technology is a fairly new and highly desirable solution for your business's email needs.

Historically, POP (Post Office Protocol) has been common for receiving email with SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) being used for sending email.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a nice alternative to POP for receiving email.

With POP mailboxes, when you retrieve your email from your server through an email program such as Outlook or Outlook Express, the messages are generally removed from the server when they are transferred to your personal computer.

This can be a problem if you use more than one computer, a desktop and a laptop for instance. With IMAP mail receiving capabilities, your message are archived on the IMAP server and you can access and view your messages using a client program without removing the messages from the server.

Copyright Christopher J. Enders. Are you at the end of your rope, fed up and confused by all the scrambled internet marketing advice you're getting? Whether you are new to internet marketing, or a website owner who wants to make more money from your website, learn the proven strategies that will sky-rocket your internet business at http://BiznessTips.com.