Posts in "Email"

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Email spotlight series- #4 StartMail

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Key Features

  • Unlimited aliases

  • Email encryption

  • Custom domain

  • Account access with 2FA

For the fourth spotlight series we introduce our partner – StartMail an email provider that emphasizes user privacy and offers a secure email experience. On this opportunity we interviewed Robert E.G. Beens, Co-Founder and CEO of StartMail 

1. Please describe the mission of StartMail as an email provider?

StartMail is on a mission to empower individuals by spreading email privacy and protecting our customers from advertisers, government surveillance and spam. We believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and that our personal data should never be collected without our knowledge and consent.

In today’s world, where our privacy is under constant threat, secure and ad-free email communication is essential. That’s why we built StartMail from the ground up with an unwavering commitment to privacy at its core. Our complete private email solution offers features like one-click encryption, extra-secure data storage and unlimited, disposable email addresses to ensure that your data and communication remains private. We are the easy-to-use alternative to Big Tech products like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo Mail, and we are the choice of those who prioritize privacy above all else.

2. When and where was StartMail founded?

StartMail BV, the company behind StartMail’s secure email service, was founded in 2011 by the creators of Startpage, the world’s most private search engine. We launched our first StartMail beta version in 2013. To this day we remain headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. This ensures that StartMail users are protected by the stringent privacy laws of the European Union (GDPR).

3. When was the first email sent from StartMail?

The first email from StartMail would have been sent from the first account created on November 5th, 2013 at 14:53:33 +0100.

4. What is one unique thing about StartMail?

One of the unique things about StartMail is that it lets you generate an unlimited number of aliases – disposable email addresses that help keep your main address exclusive and prevent spam and phishing.

An alias can help protect your identity when you sign up for a new online service and ensures your real email address remains hidden from sketchy sites. Aliases also help you cut down on junk mail, protect your inbox from SPAM and help identify where your data has been leaked or sold. If your email address has been sold or exposed in a data breach, you can expect the amount of junk mail you receive to increase significantly. When that happens, you can identify where the breach occurred and simply delete the alias. Aliases can also be an incredibly helpful tool to organize your inbox. You can filter all emails that come through an alias directly into a separate folder to keep your inbox clean and organized.

Other email providers limit the number of aliases you can create, but with us you can generate as many as you want and need. This feature has become a must-have for our privacy-conscious customers when it comes to protecting their online identity. Many tell us they couldn’t imagine going back to a limited number of aliases.

5. What’s next for StartMail? (next big feature, roadmap or anything else)

Every time we make an improvement to our product, we make sure it’s customer inspired.

We just finished a big project to improve our alias feature, so our customers can now add notes to their custom aliases or create disposable ones with a simple click – and we’ve also made accessing them a whole lot easier. We’re always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience and make their lives easier, so we are now focusing on solidifying and improving our current operations and offerings for our customers in other areas too.

We’re also working on expanding our reach globally and are actively seeking new partnership opportunities and other potential areas for growth.

“The online world is increasingly turning to privacy-respecting e-mail providers, but no-one wants to start from scratch. Migrating your old email and contacts is an essential step. The genius people of ShuttleCloud have turned this into a super-easy experience, facilitating freedom of choice, and unlocking the chains of legacy Big Tech companies.”

Robert Beens, CEO of StartMail

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Email spotlight series- #3 Fastmail

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Key Features

  • Email, calendar & contacts 

  • Built on JMAP, the latest email standard

  • Masked Email with 1Password

  • Use 100+ domains with no extra charge (you@yourwebsite.com)

The ShuttleCloud Spotlight series highlights innovative email providers that are enhancing the user experience. For the third spotlight, we had the opportunity to speak with Helen Horstmann-Allen, who is the COO, and Bron Gondwana, the CEO of Fastmail

1. Please describe the mission of Fastmail as an email provider?

Fastmail is a human-focused email, designed to assist you in getting the most out of your email, with the least effort and time.

Fastmail-

2. When and where was Fastmail founded?

According to Helen, Fastmail was founded in 1999 in Melbourne, Australia. It was owned by Opera Software from 2010 to 2013 before being sold back to some of the staff. Fastmail purchased the assets of ICGroup in Philadelphia (including pobox.com) in 2015. Pobox was founded in 1995, making it one of the oldest email companies still in existence. Our longest serving employee just celebrated 26 years working on email — the first Pobox email she has is from 1995! We have offices in Melbourne and Philadelphia as well as some remote staff.

3. When was the first email sent from Fastmail?

The oldest active account on Fastmail was created on Feb 16, 2002 – but there would have been emails sent before then! The first email I personally sent on Fastmail was from my new work account to my personal account on October 29th, 2004. I moved my personal email (and all my family’s email) to Fastmail about a year later, having previously hosted it on my own server.

4. What is one unique thing about Fastmail?

It may sound surprising, but a good old fashioned “service in exchange for money” business model is surprisingly rare in this marketplace. Most email providers are trying to monetise something else in order to provide the email account for free. We don’t do that. The other thing that regular Fastmail users often become oblivious to is just how fast and easy to use our interface is compared to other products. It’s only when you try to use something else that you realize just how slick the Fastmail experience is – and it’s because we put a lot of work into making everything fast (it’s in the name) and predictable so you can process your emails with confidence.

Fastmail aps

5. What’s next for Fastmail?

There’s tons of things in the works. Without too many spoilers, a lot of the upcoming features that I’m particularly excited about are little tweaks to make things more useful for multiple people working together – from shared team calendars, to shared mailboxes that support workflows for a group of people collaborating on a role (e.g. sales or support) within a small business. It’s not “new features” as such, all the underlying infrastructure is there, but the right little bits of automatic behaviour and rules will make life easier for the millions of small businesses that currently have shared email addresses and have to manually keep track of messages sent to them. Little tweaks that unlock big benefits for our customers are one of the best ways to add value to our product.

6. What is your name, role and responsibilities at Fastmail?

My name is Bron Gondwana. I started with Fastmail as a developer and sysadmin in 2004, became a part owner in 2013, and have been CEO since 2017. As CEO I’m responsible for everything – the buck stops here. I still have a soft spot for low level programming (I was a key developer for the Cyrus IMAP server that stores all our customer data for many years) but these days my work is almost all conversations and relationship nurturing

Fastmail inbox

7. Is there another email provider you would like to see featured?

Not an email provider as much as some email products! Fastmail provide much of our work as open source, and are very strong proponents of open standards. We developed the JMAP standard which is now generally available from the IETF as RFC8620 and RFC8621. The Apache James server and Linagora (https://www.linagora.com/en/) – the company who do a lot of work to support it are very interesting. There’s also the very new Stalwart JMAP server (https://stalw.art/).

 

Keep an eye on Fastmail to stay informed about their advancements in email and privacy.Look out for our next email spotlight series to learn about other innovative companies in the email industry.

Data Management and Analytics Email

SMTP, POP, IMAP Protocols: What They Are and How They Work?

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More technical users are likely familiar with SMTP, POP, and IMAP protocols when using email, but what exactly are they and what are they used for? As major protocols for sending and receiving emails, it’s a good idea to be familiar with them!

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and is the protocol used when sending an email. It allows two systems to transfer messages over a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) connection. The server sends outbound emails through an SMTP port (25 or 587 when encrypted) which interacts with other SMTP  servers on the internet to deliver the message to its intended recipient.

POP stands for Post Office Protocol and is used when retrieving emails from a server. It allows email clients to connect to the server and download any new messages. The POP protocol works by using a POP port (110 or 995 when encrypted). POP is no longer widely used and has been commonly replaced by IMAP.

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol and is used when accessing emails stored on a server. It allows users to connect to a mail server, open folders, search through saved messages, and delete or move them around within their mailbox. The IMAP protocol uses ports (143 or 993) that communicate with servers on the internet to store and retrieve messages.

Why are these protocols important?

SMTP, POP, and IMAP protocols are essential for sending, receiving, and managing emails. They ensure that information is transferred securely between two systems over a secure connection. Understanding how these protocols work will help you get the most out of your emailing experience. With their help, you’ll be able to send and receive messages quickly and easily!

By understanding SMTP, POP, and IMAP protocols, you can better equip yourself to use email more efficiently and effectively. Each protocol has unique functions, making it easier for users to send emails, retrieve messages from the server, manage folders, and search through saved messages.

Besides, these protocols ensure that emails are sent securely over the internet, preventing them from being intercepted or corrupted by third parties while in transit. They provide an extra layer of security when accessing emails stored on a server.

Customer Stories Email import migration

Email spotlight series- #2 Skiff

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Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted email, pages and drive
  • Sync across all your devices
  • Open source
  • 10GB storage with free plan
  • Web3 support

The ShuttleCloud Spotlight series focuses on highlighting email providers who are working to improve their user experience through innovation. For our second spotlight, we interviewed Jason Ginsberg, Co-Founder and CTO at Skiff.

1- What is Skiff’s mission as an email provider?

Skiff is designed to be privacy-first, completely end-to-end encrypted, and easy to use. While past privacy and security products have required a deep technical understanding, Skiff is designed to easily fill critical needs for communication and collaboration.

2- When and where was Skiff founded?

Skiff was founded April 1st, 2020. We started completely remote. We now have employees all over the world and an office in San Francisco.

3- When was the first email sent from Skiff?

Internally it was sent in December 2021. Publicly, it was sent May 1st 2022.

4- What is one unique thing about Skiff?

We’ve built our platform to be end-to-end encrypted (E2EE), so you never have to share your personal information, sensitive data, or private keys with Skiff. This works by moving a significant portion of functionality (e.g. search, collaborative editing, preview generation) to the client (i.e. browser). Users then use their (cryptographic) identity to encrypt all data before sending it to the server. At all times, only the user and their chosen collaborators can access the content of their data.

5- What’s next for Skiff?

We’re about to release a new product vertical (not yet announced) to our existing suite of Drive, Pages, and Mail. It will make it significantly easier to move to Skiff from traditional email providers. We’re also introducing improvements to our recently released custom domains offering.

 

Be sure to follow Skiff to keep up with their innovations in the email and privacy space! And stay tuned for our next email spotlight series to discover more services who are innovating in the email world. 

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4 reasons email is still popular

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Despite the rise of other forms of communication, such as social media and messaging apps, email remains a widely used and important tool for communication.

There are a few reasons why email has continued to be popular:

  1. Email is universal: Almost everyone with an internet connection has an email address, making it a widely accessible form of communication.
  2. Email is professional: Many people still view email as more formal and professional communication, especially in business settings.
  3. Email is flexible: Email can be used to send various messages and documents, including text, images, and attachments.
  4. Email is reliable: Emails are typically delivered quickly and reliably, making it a dependable way to communicate.

Overall, while other forms of communication may have gained popularity in recent years, email remains a vital tool for communication and is unlikely to go away anytime soon.

A History:

The first email was sent in 1971 by computer engineer Ray Tomlinson, who used the @ symbol to connect the sender’s name and the recipient’s address.

In the decades that followed, email became increasingly popular as more and more people gained access to the internet. Today, email is used by billions of people around the world for both personal and professional communication.

One of the main benefits of email is that it allows for quick and easy communication over long distances. Unlike traditional mail, which can take days or weeks to be delivered, emails can be sent and received almost instantly. This makes it a valuable tool for businesses, as it allows for the rapid exchange of information and documents.

Email has also played a role in shaping the way we work. Many people now use email as a primary means of communication with their colleagues, even when they are in the same office. This has led to the rise of remote work, as people can collaborate and communicate with each other from anywhere in the world.

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The Data Transfer Project (DTP)

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The Data Transfer Project (DTP) is an open-source initiative that aims to provide a common framework for transferring data between online service providers in a secure and user-friendly way. It was launched in 2017 by Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Twitter to make it easier for users to move their data between different online platforms.


One of the main goals of the DTP is to give users more control over their data and to make it easier for them to switch between different online service providers. With DTP, users can transfer their data directly from one service to another without going through the process of downloading and uploading files manually. This can be particularly useful for users who want to switch to a new service but don’t want to lose their data.

DTP is based on open standards and APIs, which means that any online service provider can use it to enable data transfer for their users. This allows users to quickly move their data between various platforms, including social media, email, cloud storage, etc.

DTP is an open-source project, meaning anyone can contribute to its development. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can learn more on the DTP website: https://datatransferproject.dev/

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GDPR and SCC

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It also addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and EEA.

Under the GDPR, there is a concept called the “data protection officer” (DPO), an individual or position responsible for overseeing the organization’s data protection strategy and compliance with the GDPR. The DPO is required for certain types of organizations, such as those that process large amounts of sensitive personal data or engage in regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale.

In addition to the DPO, the GDPR also introduces the concept of a “supervisory authority,” which is an independent public authority responsible for ensuring the GDPR is applied and enforced in the member state where it is located.

The GDPR imposes significant fines for non-compliance and gives individuals the right to sue organizations for damages caused by a breach of their personal data. It is important for organizations to understand their obligations under the GDPR and to take steps to ensure compliance.

UPDATED Dec 22th (New SCC)

The new standard contract clauses for GDPR are a set of legally binding requirements that companies must adhere to when transferring personal data to a third party outside of the EEA. The new standard contract clauses include provisions on data protection, data security, data retention, and data rights. They also outline the responsibilities of both the data controller and the data processor, as well as the rights and obligations of individuals whose data is being processed.

The new standard contract clauses are intended to provide a consistent and reliable framework for data protection, ensuring that companies can continue to transfer personal data across borders while still upholding the principles of the GDPR.

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How an email is sent:

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Emails are sent using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). When you send an email, your email client (such as Microsoft Outlook or Gmail) sends the email to an SMTP server, which then sends the email to the recipient’s email server. The recipient’s email server then delivers the email to the recipient’s email client (such as Outlook or Gmail).

Here is a simplified overview of the process:

  • You compose and send an email from your email client.
  • Your email client connects to an SMTP server and sends the email to the server.
  • The SMTP server looks up the domain of the recipient’s email address and sends the email to the recipient’s email server.
  • The recipient’s email server receives the email and stores it in the recipient’s mailbox.
  • The recipient’s email client retrieves the email from the mailbox and displays it to the recipient.

This process happens quickly and automatically, so you don’t need to worry about the details. You just need an email client and an internet connection to send and receive emails.

Email migration

Email Migration – The Complete Guide

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Migrating email accounts can take a lot of work. There are many things to consider – user accounts, contacts, data, and more. But with the right email migration service, it can be simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about email migration. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, and why they’re important.

What is an Email Migration?

Email migration is a process that allows you to copy your email account from one provider to another without losing important information such as contacts, emails, and more. This can be a complex process, depending on the number of email accounts and the amount of data involved. But with a good email migration service, it’s a breeze!

There are many reasons why you might need to migrate your email account. You may be switching providers or upgrading to a new server. Or you’re consolidating multiple accounts into one. Whatever the reason, an email migration service can help make the process painless.

How Does an Email Migration Service Work?

Email migration services typically copy your data from one server to another. This includes all of your emails, contacts, and more. Some email migration services also offer the ability to migrate your applications and settings. This can be a huge time-saver if you move to a new server or provider.

Most email migration services have a simple interface that anyone can use. Just enter your old and new account information, and the service will take care of the rest. Some providers also offer additional features, like scheduling migrations or creating backups. These additional features can come in handy if you’re migrating multiple accounts or want to ensure that your data is safe during the process.

Why is an Email Migration Service Important?

Email migration services are essential because they make it easy to move your email account from one email provider to another. This can save you time and headaches when switching providers or upgrading servers.

If you’re consolidating multiple accounts into one, an email migration service can save you even more time by migrating your data and settings. Additionally, email migration helps to keep your contacts organized and up-to-date. By migrating your contacts and emails, you can be sure that everyone in your address book has the correct information.

If you are looking for a professional email migration service, look no further than Shuttlecloud. We offer a comprehensive email migration service that will make transitioning to a new server quick and easily.

Contact us today to learn more!

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What is an email client?

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To put it simply, an email client is a piece of software used to access emails found on an email server. An email service such as Gmail or Outlook hosts your emails, and the email client is the way you actually access them. While they all serve the same core purpose, every email client is different, with its own advantages and disadvantages.

What is the best email client?

Receiving and sending emails is something that we do every day, and most people use one of the most popular options. These can be either desktop or app-based such as IOS email and Microsoft Outlook, or web-based such as Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook. 

But there are many more options out there! In the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the number of email clients available, some offering exciting new features that have made them very successful.

What email client alternatives are there?

Zoom 

Zoom email was introduced in November 2022 and is still in beta testing. Zoom focuses on offering an all-in-one service without having to use multiple applications while working—reducing the time spent transferring between apps and keeping everything more organized. 

It allows users to connect their Gmail and Microsoft accounts, synchronizing all emails and calendars in one place—all without having to switch apps to make Zoom video calls.

Spark 

Spark claims to be the “smart, focused” email client. It has 14 million users worldwide and was recognized as Editor’s Choice on the Apple app store. Their main feature is a Smart Inbox that prioritizes important emails into their own folder. One special feature spark offers is a gatekeeper that allows you to accept or reject incoming emails based on their sender. Users can also highlight priority senders for easy access to their emails.

Collaboration is another key benefit of Spark—it allows teams to have a shared inbox and drafts can be composed in real-time by several team members. Specific emails and threads can be shared with specific team members, and you can create email templates to be used by the entire team.

Shift 

Shift is a ‘workstation’ service that includes an email client, along with a web browser and other integrations. It seeks to allow you to work entirely from one platform, eliminating the need to switch between different platforms. It can integrate with multiple Gmail and Microsoft accounts as well as Slack, Trello, Evernote or even Spotify. The simple design makes it easy to use and personalize. It even includes a secure password storage service.

eM client 

eM client claims to boost your productivity and break you out of your email routing. It boasts a number of workflow-enhancing tools such as message encryption with PGP encryption, a reply-watcher to notify you of specific replies, automatic message translation, a quick text feature to help you compose emails faster, email snoozing, and more.  It is compatible with Gmail, iCloud, Microsoft 365, SmarterMail, Mailfence, and MDaemon.

Spike 

Transforming email to a workspace is the main focus of Spike, offering features that increase team productivity. It seeks to transform email into a live-chat format, making it more conversational and taking away the clutter of traditional email. Collaborative online notes and tasks allow users to take notes as well as create tasks and to-do lists on the app—allowing easy access for different devices and users. It also offers group chats and a calendar feature. 

Thunderbird

Making email easy is the promise of Thunderbird. The setup is super simple, using a mail account setup wizard, allowing installation without needing to know your STMP, IMAP, or other certificates. Thunderbird offers a fast way to add new contacts to your lists as well as setting contacts into different lists to keep data organized. One key feature is the tab system which allows you to switch between different emails much like you would in a browser—in fact, Thunderbird is created by the Mozilla Foundation, which also created Firefox.

Which email client is the best for me?

Smaller email clients have evolved significantly, adding value to their platforms in the form of new features. They’ve switched their focus to simplicity and productivity, creating some real competition for the bigger clients. When it comes to choosing the best email client for you, you should focus on the specific features they each offer, and decide based on what works best for your workflow!