Most of us would agree that there are very legitimate uses for bulk mail, such as publication of newsletters, purchase notifications, brokerage statements, etc. The mail stream from large businesses is likewise large in volume but still completely legitimate. The UseBestMail system accommodates these legitimate bulk mailers by charging for stamps. The charge is small enough that it shouldn't discourage legitimate commerce but large enough to make spam uneconomical and to support the UseBestMail servers.

The client software for commercial use acts as a front end to SMTP servers. For outgoing mail it applies stamps. For incoming mail it verifies stamps. Stamps for outgoing mail can be purchased at this web site. The client UseBestMailSMTP software uses the stamps and reports constantly the number of stamps remaining unused.  If the mail volume is small the SMTP module can be set to use timed service, just like the email client software does.  In this case a delay is imposed based on volume of mail and stamps are free. 

One additional aspect of stamps bears mentioning. Because UseBestMail is based on economics, there is no need for anyone to judge or censor the use of this email channel. Anyone is free to use it based on the delay or pay structure of the system.

* Two halves of the UseBestMailSMTP software, one to handle outgoing mail, the other for incoming. The outgoing portion communicates with the UseBestMail host for authorization and stamps. The incoming portion validates the incoming mail.

* A Second SMTP server, such as the IIS SMTP server. This server receives stamped mail from GMSMTP and applies DNS/MX to the outgoing mail so it is properly routed.  This SMTP server also picks up forwarded mail. (See "Bad Mail Handling" under "Settings..." below.)

* The Internet or Firewall. The usual portal through which the organization sends and receives email.

The configuration and choice of platforms for these components is flexible. An example will show one way it can be done.  The port numbers have to be selected so as to be non-conflicting. Following the connection labels in the figure above:

a. Exchange server lives either on on its own machine or along with UseBestMailSMTP on the same machine.. It sends mail via the Smart Host method to the UseBestMailSMTP and Second SMTP, in this case the SMTP that comes with IIS. Connection a. points to port 30004 of the Outgoing UseBestMailSMTP module.

b. The UsBestMailSMTP module points to port 3005 of the Second SMTP server, the IIS module.

c. The Second SMTP server sends traffic out to the internet in the normal manner, applying the DNS/MX address to the mail.

d. The incoming traffic from the internet is routed to port 25 of the UseBestMailSMTP Incoming module.

e. The Incoming SMTP Module sends traffic to port 30003 of the Mail Server.

Additionally, there are some settings that must be decided upon:

Outgoing Mail Certification - This option controls whether outgoing mail is delayed (timed) or sent undelayed using paid stamps. In most installations this will be 'Stamped.' (Local option for UseBestMail internal use only.)

Bad Mail Handling - Three choices are provided:  'Accept' lets all mail properly addressed to the domain be received.  The subject line is marked to distinguish good mail from non-stamped mail.  'Reject All' means that non-stamped mail is rejected outright.  'Forward' provides a means for non-stamped or stamped mail to be forwarded to another domain or address.   Non-stamped Map Forwards provides a mapping for addresses that should be handled by another domain.  Pickup Directory Name is the directory to be used by a Windows Virtual SMTP server to do the mail forwarding.

Send Recruiting Message on BadMail - This option sends a message to anyone who sends non-BestMail traffic to the site. This message invites the sender to UseBestMail and provides a link from which to download a free client program.

Relay Home Domain - This specifies the domain for messages that can be relayed via SMTP through the server.  The server must further enforce validation and prevent relay for any sender who does not have an account. (This option is for UseBestMail internal use only.)

Button: View and Edit Recruiting Message - Click this button to see the recruiting message that is sent out to non-BestMail users. You can input text produced by any editor and do minor re-editing in the view window. Use of HTML is preferred for this application.

Button: Start/Stop - You can't change settings in UseBestMailSMTP while the program is processing messages. To stop the program, use the START/STOP button. If the program is busy it will wait 30 seconds before providing you a chance to force a stop. The button will say 'START' after you stop it. Click START to restart after making setting changes.