Question : multiple users having outlook and phones checking one IMAP mailbox, is it a problem?

I have a client that has been using an AOL email address for years as the main business email. They have 4 users with outlook checking the profile along with a couple of cell phones. They recently called and said that AOL is stopping IMAP support (not sure of this myself) and are asking for an alternative. I considered setting them up with imap on their own domain, but another client has been having IMAP issues and I'm not sure if it's their mail provider or what. I'm using IMAP with a different provider and have had no problems.
Does anyone know if this should work without issues, or what issues i might run into?

Thanks,

Answer : multiple users having outlook and phones checking one IMAP mailbox, is it a problem?

Bwierzbicki,

Thanks for the compliment, I would say try it out and see what happens.

This explanation of IMAP is from fusemail
IMAP, on the other hand, is the newer protocol.  It works by creating a copy of the folders and messages on the server within a specific IMAP folder branch.  This is advantageous if you wish to keep a lot of folders both on and off system.  IMAP also creates a copy as opposed to removing messages from the server, so if you need to use the webmail, it is completely available.  This is also advantageous for mobile device users so the messages do not get removed before the mobile device contacts the server and pulls them.  This is also handy for traveling as it allows you to keep everything the same format regardless of using the mail client or if you have to use another machine to access your mail.  IMAP also does not need to set an automatic send and receive.  When you change folders, it will update the folder you move to.  However, since IMAP opens up multiple connections, if you are going to have many users contacting the same account at the same time, webmail would be your best option.

Both have their advantages and limitations.  If you are using a mobile device or going to be viewing the account from multiple places, such as when one is traveling, we do suggest using IMAP.


This is from the google website and it has some of the answers you are looking for in regards to IMAP:
"What's the difference between IMAP and POP?
Unlike POP, IMAP offers two-way communication between your web Gmail and your email client(s). This means when you log in to Gmail using a web browser, actions you perform on email clients and mobile devices (ex: putting mail in a 'work' folder) will instantly and automatically appear in Gmail (ex: it will already have a 'work' label on that email the next time you sign in).

IMAP also provides a better method to access your mail from multiple devices. If you check your email at work, on your mobile phone, and again at home, IMAP ensures that new mail is accessible from any device at any given time.

Finally, IMAP offers a more stable experience overall. Whereas POP is prone to losing messages or downloading the same messages multiple times, IMAP avoids this through two-way syncing capabilities between your mail clients and your web Gmail.

If you're trying to decide between using POP and using IMAP with Gmail, we recommend IMAP."