email2 uses an entirely different system for attachment transfer and management - but of course, it's completely seamless to the user!
The first time that an email2 attachment is sent, it is uploaded to the Private Email Network (PEN) using a secure HTTPS connection. It is then stored encrypted on the PEN platform server. When recipients receive an email2 attachment, they are not actually receiving a file, but credentials (in the form of a secure link) to download the file from the PEN.
Because of this architecture, we introduce a number of useful features:
- Once an attachment has been uploaded, that's it. When it gets forwarded, or even sent in a new email2 Message, that attachment is already on the PEN, so you never need to upload it again. This is useful for distributing large files across email, which would otherwise take up an enormous amount of bandwidth. You can also attach files from your Attachments tab instantly to new email2 Messages!
- Powerful new Attachment Library. Manage your documents online using email2's Attachment Library. Quickly access any file you've sent or received over email2, re-attach it to a new message without waiting for it to upload, even monitor ongoing tracking data for individual attachments.
- No more email bottlenecks while waiting for large file downloads! Because users are given to option to download the attachment (pull vs push method), they are able to choose where and when they would like to download it. And faster HTTPS connections mean that you can download your attachments at higher speeds.
- Safer attachments. Basic email sends messages and attachments over unencrypted SMTP connections. email2 uses only secure HTTPS connections, ensuring that your messages and attachments are safe for the entire transfer period.
// Edited July 2008