Mime

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MIME

MIME stands for Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions

MIME Compliant

• A set of type specifications for mailing object/file types other than text with messages.
  
• Do NOT assume that every person receiving email is using a MIME-compliant email client.
  
• MIME clients require MIME compliant (POP) servers, not SMTP servers.

Mail Objects

The client tends to understand platform independent standard file types: (text, graphics, sound, movies, etc.)
It also allows proprietary application file formats (platform dependent) to be mailed: (WP, SS, DBs, drawing, etc.)

How It Works

• Attaches (includes) different file types in/with messages.
  
• Automatically packages (encodes/binhexes) file types immediately prior to sending
  
• Automatically unpacks (decodes/de-binhexes) file types upon receipt.