Reference: Email-Email Options

In order to send and receive email via POP3/SMTP protocols at your computer, you need to have an Internet Access Provider (IAP), an Email service (typically, a SMTP compatible server), and a desktop Mail Client. RidgeStar operates a full function SMTP Mail Server (Stalker Software's CommuniGate) for it's clients, but does not provide dial up service (IAP). We do NOT provide a Mail Client (for example, Microsoft's Exchange or Outlook) or support for Mail Clients on your desktop.

RidgeStar does provide you full function Email services permitting you to receive Email originated from your Site or any other Internet Mail Server. This means you can send and receive Email via our Mail Server to any other User on the Internet. We provide support for the Mail Server only and you are responsible for the proper operation and configuration of your own Mail Client on your system. Again, YOU are responsible for the installation, configuration, and support of your own Mail Client (you'll need to contact whoever provides you the Mail Client with any support questions).

There are two ways we can provide you Mail Services: a full function Mail Account (POP3/SMTP) or a simple alias for routing to a different Mail Account you maintain with a different Mail Service.

Full function Mail Accounts are serviced by our Mail Server (hardware and software operating Stalker Software's CommuniGate). You configure your Mail Client to retrieve and download email. It's like having to go to the local post office to pick up your personal mail at your P.O. Box.
An Alias is simply a forwarding mechanism that takes all of your mail from any of your Site's email addresses and forwards them to the email address that you have with your Internet Access Provider. It's like having your personal mail forwarded to a destination of your choice.

Limitations

A single email account can have many Aliases throughout a Site (Examples: sales@mycompany.com, info@mycompany.com, support@mycompany.com, dave@mycompany.com). These could all be set up in a single POP3 account or forwarded via Email Alias to your IAP email account. However, if these configurations need separate POP3 profiles or need to be forwarded to more than one email account, they will require additional RidgeStar email accounts.

Email without a Domain Name

Most people choose to have their own domain name to provide a distinct Internet identity for their Company, Organization, etc. The result is an email address in the form of myname@mycompany.com. Or in some cases, the email link in your Site can link directly to your IAP email account and bypass our Mail Server. The choice is yours and you are free to use the mechanism that meets your needs best.