IMAP Backup & Archiver

What is a Backup?

A Backup is the process of copying original data to a secondary medium as a precaution in case of failure of the original medium. The Backup process makes an exact snapshot of the data at the time the backup process is completed. Backups can be performed on different cycles, but are most commonly performed daily. Backup snapshots are kept for a period of time (retention period).

A backup should be done periodically (daily) and automatically to a reliable medium at another location and utilizing different systems. The snapshots should be kept reasonably long enough to be available for the user to restore in case of lost data on the original medium.

What is IMAP Backup?

IMAP Backup is the process of copying (backing up) IMAP (or POP3*) Email Accounts from one system or server to an external system. The IMAP Backup process preserves the current state of the Email Accounts including the IMAP folders present, the messages contained in each folder and the IMAP flags applied to each message by the user.

An IMAP Backup contains a set number of snapshots to enable the user to recover all email data when needed.

IMAP Backup Snapshots are retained for a minimum of 14 days or longer. After the predetermined retention period expires, the snapshot is expunged.

What is IMAP Archiver?

An Archive is an accumulation of data for a period of time (retention period).

An IMAP Archive is the accumulation of Email Messages of IMAP accounts.

Email Messages that are archived will be kept in the IMAP Archiver until the end of the retention period. The Email Messages will always be in the last folder they were placed in.

The IMAP Archiver retention period is applied per message and usually ranges from a few months to 1 year or longer. If the Archiver Retention Period is 48 months, then a deleted message will be in the archive for 48 months after the email has been deleted from the email account.

IMAP Backup vs. IMAP Archiver

IMAP Backup & Archiver are 2 separate but complementary services which allow maximum flexibility in ensuring that data from your IMAP email account is secure and available whenever you need it.