America Online (AOL)announced the new Open Mail Access feature. The Open Mail Access implements the IMAP protocol and lets AOL members access their AOL Mail using any IMAP compliant application, including Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, Entourage for Mac, and other applications that use the IMAP protocol. AOL's new Open Mail Access feature is designed to give members added flexibility by allowing them to manage their AOL Mail from the e-mail application of their choice. The IMAP protocol offers a number of advantages over other e-mail standards including the ability to store messages and folders on a server, automatic synchronizing of messages and folders, and faster display of messages.

The Open Mail Access feature is available now at no additional charge to all AOL users Set-up instructions for specific IMAP e-mail clients are available at AOL Keyword: Open Mail Access.