[ih] Design choices in SMTP

[Dave Crocker]

On 2/7/2023 10:44 AM, Jack Haverty via Internet-history wrote:
> Seems like 40 years should be long enough.....maybe someone will take 
> the next step. 

Hmmm.  This seems too close to the "it's been around time, so it should 
be replaced' assertion that is often made about long-standing, 
successful protocols.

What is typically missing is a) a very clear problem statement, in terms 
that explain the very significant, real benefits to be sought, and b) a 
constituency that is eager for that superior capability to be delivered.

A lesson of a number of protocols in use today is how well they have 
supported enhancement, rather than replacement.

So, yes, there will come a time, for each of these, when replacement is 
better than enhancement.  But the extreme momentum of an installed base 
at scale means there must be very strong market demand.

By way of example, IMAP is generally assessed as having serious flaws, 
with JMAP being developed as a replacement.  Have you heard of JMAP 
before?  Any idea how its adoption curve is proceeding?

d/

-- 
Dave Crocker
Brandenburg InternetWorking
bbiw.net
mast:@dcrocker at mastodon.social