MailQuatro offers 'professional' cloud email for small businesses

MailQuatro is offering a cloud-based email system for small businesses designed to be less costly than running a Microsoft Exchange server, but offering a more professional solution than the many free web-based email systems.

Available now, the MailQuatro service includes features such as tabs that allow users to work on multiple messages at once, security filters to block spam and viruses, and an archive of up to 10 years of all emails sent and received by each user.

Because MailQuatro is web-based, customers do not need their own email server. Users can also access their account from anywhere on any computer with a browser and internet connection. An easy-to-use admin screen allows business owners to configure the service for employees.

The service allows users to grant access to others, so that a secretary can access a manager's email account, or a generic company-wide email account can be set up for enquiries, with all employees given access.

MailQuatro chief executive Philippos Nikiforou said he developed the software for another startup of his, but it proved such a success he decided to market it as a cloud-based service.

"It might sound ambitious but, as modern businesses evolve to require greater web-based functionality, my aim is to make MailQuatro the preferred email solution for small businesses around the world," he said.

However, the firm is up against Microsoft, which is currently beta testing its Office 365 online suite, which includes an online version of Exchange that can be accessed via Outlook Web Access.

MailQuatro pricing starts at €24 (£21) per month for up to four users, which includes 10GB of storage per user and a 5MB attachment limit, but only a three-year archive. A free trial is also available.