Abstract: A computerized method for electronic communication includes issuing via a mail client a set of extensions in a command to a MX server for an initial electronic communication; determining in the mail client one or more of the extensions, which failed; and for a subsequent electronic communication between the mail client and the MX server, for a predetermined time period, not issuing to the MX server by the mail client the one or more extensions, which failed.

Abstract: An electronic mail (“e-mail”) system is described that enforces authentication or encryption to/from Mail Transfer Agents and from Mail User Agents. In one embodiment, for example, an electronic mail (e-mail) system is described that comprises: a message transfer agent (MTA) available for a client to connect to; program logic for authenticating the client, through use of a certificate, in order to identify the client as approved for establishing a secured connection with the MTA; program logic for establishing a secured connection between the client and the MTA in instances where the client can be authenticated; program logic for testing encryption strength of the secured connection; and program logic for terminating the secured connection in instances where the secured connection has inadequate encryption strength.

Abstract: An electronic mail (“e-mail”) system is described that provides a methodology that allows the system to determine when it is appropriate to relay e-mail messages, particularly from “roaming” users. In basic operation, the methodology of the present invention first checks whether the client has been authenticated. If not, the decision of whether relaying is allowed may be subject to other rules in the system, such as whether the user currently resides behind the company's firewall. Of interest herein is a case where the client has been authenticated. In that case, the system can allow relaying for everyone who has a certificate (“cert”) signed by certain certificate authorities (“CAs”). Additionally, the system can require specific cert subjects.