Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Overview

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

Windows Server® 2008 SMTP Server uses the Internet-standard Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to transport and deliver messages based on specifications in Request for Comments (RFC) 2821 and RFC 2822. It also includes enhancements that build on the basic delivery functions of the protocol. Various options help you control the routing and delivery of messages, and configure more secure communications.

SMTP Server Features

SMTP Server provides the following features.

  • Standard Internet Protocol Support SMTP Server provides full support for SMTP and is compatible with SMTP mail clients.

  • Scalability With SMTP Server, you can configure SMTP virtual servers to support multiple domains and hundreds of client connections in a single-server configuration.

  • Easy Administration and Integration with the Windows Server 2008** Operating System** SMTP Server uses a Microsoft Management Console for administration. SMTP virtual servers are created and configured by using Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 Manager. Administrators can use other Windows Server 2008 administration features including Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), event logs, and transaction logs to collect usage statistics, track messages and transactions, and examine usage patterns.

  • Advanced Security SMTP Server supports the use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) for encrypting transmissions.

  • Directed Mail Drop and Pickup For the default domain, SMTP Server supports placement of all incoming messages directly into a Drop directory. This means you can use SMTP Server as a mail receiver for other applications. In addition to connecting to a TCP port to send messages, applications can also use a Pickup directory. After a message that is formatted as a text file is copied to the Pickup directory, SMTP Server delivers it.

See Also

Concepts

Features Available in Windows Server 2008 R2