Internet Email (IMAIL) Update 01-03:

We are currently in the later stages of transitioning to the new email system.  The main focus of this effort is to standardize the email addresses for all NAATS officials so that we and the general membership don't have to 'know' about the ever changing individual information.  Hopefully, this approach will make communicating with our leadership as easy as possible.

Naturally, for the first few days (hopefully-not) there will be some troubleshooting.  So far, things are looking good.  Some minor glitches, all easily fixed.  Patience and a lot of feedback would be appreciated.

First observation: Please do not send mail to both the "naats.org" address and the persons private email address.  (Some have been doing this to ensure the mail gets there.)  Unfortunately, the results in multiple copies are being received and misleading trouble reports being filed.  Suggestion:  Use the naats.org address first and then the other address if a rejection message is received.

Likewise, all errors should be forwarded to "[email protected]"  Please describe specifically what happened.  Feel free to forward the message in question, including any rejection messages.  The more information the better.

Expectedly, some questions have been floating back regarding this new system.  It's difficult to answer questions given to us 3rd or 4th party.  The best approach is to forward all questions to "[email protected]" and we'll answer them both individually and use them in subsequent general updates.  We would like all members to understand this new system as much as possible, so please don't hesitate to ask a question or raise a concern.

One question that recently came up: "I'm nervous about all of my mail going through the NAATS Server."

Answer: First, there isn't a "NAATS" server.  The company that hosts our site is AIT - located in Fayetteville, NC  It is one of the top 3 or so companies in the world that provide this type of  service to 1000's of companies.  Their security is extremely tight... to say the least. (The company was founded by some retired military folks from the base in the same town.  Their standards are to that degree.)

John and I are not able to access individual accounts.  Additionally, all mail that's forwarded through the individual user accounts, passes through and does not reside on the server.  Because of this, even the user is unable to logon and view the messages - they just pass-through to the address the user has configured for their mail to be forwarded to.  The only time mail is kept on the user's account is if the user disables the forwarding.

All of the accounts I've setup to date have been configured with the individual email addresses on record with NAATS HQ.  I've sent messages to all of Directors to verify the names and email addresses for each of their FacReps.  I'm starting to receive responses and will continue to update as everyone gets back to me.

That's all for now.

Happy Holidays to All and your Families.

Stephen Glowacki
co-postmaster  naats.org