A solution based on Internet messaging is highly scalable and offers the unique feature of protecting the investment in technology by presenting a number of options for both client and server software. By choosing IMAP, MegaSystems will not be locked into the solutions of a single vendor. For instance, changing IMAP clients would not require any message store conversion or migration, and, conversely, changing the message store would not require that clients be changed.

Further, IMAP offer s a disconnected operation functionality that simply is not available in any other messaging system. IMAP lets the user connect to the message server, download the messages, disconnect, read, delete, create and file messages, then reconnect to the server and automatically synchronize the server with local operations. IMAP supports a rich set of options concerning the storage of messages, the most significant of which is support for hierarchical folders. In addition, many IMAP clients support a rich set of searching and ordering functions that make it simpler to find specific messages in large message collections.

All PMDF SMTP/IMAP functions can be remotely managed. PMDF is designed to require the very minimum of daily system management.

Network Computing's Evaluation of Innosoft International's RFP

Pros: Standards-based, scalable archite cture; reduced complexity; smooth migration plan

Cons: No client solution, calendar or workflow capabilities

Innosoft International has a long and stellar record in providing leading-edge, Internet-based products for the messaging industry. PMDF, its flagship messaging backbone produ ct, is a suite of software solution modules that offers MegaSystems the underlying messaging infrastructure necessary to support collaborative computing. PMDF provides industrial-strength connectivity with most major LAN and host-based e-mail systems, the Internet and X.400.

Innosoft's solution proposes the implementation of an SMTP/MIME backbone, integrating cc:Mail using PMDF-LAN and PMDF-MR, connecting to the Internet, selecting an IMAP client and deploying the client on a workgroup by workgroup basis.

The deployment of Innosoft's PMDF standards-based architecture ensures MegaSystems' platform- and client-independence and offers the company more choices for clients than other proprietary solutions.

Plans for Phase I include the installation of message hubs at the four core sites. Phase II presents two options. First, MegaSystems could retain its existing dial-up network for the satellite locations and install PMDF-MTAs at every site to improve response times. Or, it could significantly upgrade the network by installing "dedicated network connections of some kind." We had hoped for more detailed recommendations based on MegaSystems' projected growth. In either case, PMDF-MTAs would be installed at the international sites to deal with time zone differences and network delays. We opted for the former to keep the proposal in line with those of other vendors.

To download an Adobe Acrobat .pdf format version of the Pricing Summary, click here.
To download an Adobe Acrobat .pdf format version of the vendor's technical specifications, click here.


Updated July 31, 1997