I would argue that postfix or qmail or exim or exchange each have a much bigger reach than the top webmails. Just happens to be distributed over millions of domains instead of two. Much more users experience online communication through outlook or thunderbird than gmail/hotmail.

As entrepreneurs, we have to be aware of behaviour shifts indeed, but I don’t thing we should unquestioningly go with the flow, and that we are lucky enough to have the time to be at the forefront. this is our practical duty to inform than any monopolistic situation might have a negative effect on the consumers, and on our bottom line.

X+

I am not arguing for a switch here. All I am doing is observing how consumers are behaving. Yes, regular mail servers have been around for much longer, but none have the reach of just the top two webmail providers.

I also agree with you on dangers of a single entity owning the future of online communication for consumers, but then again we can not deny what is happening in the marketplace.

So my argument is that as businesses and entrepreneurs, we need to be aware of such shifts and alter our course accordingly.

Why are you focusing on webmail as opposed to regular mails ? The later have been around for much longer.

Interesting analogy, but you are missing a fundamental and critical difference: the mail is an open protocol, you can use to communicate with anyone and that doesn’t rely on a specific software or website.

You are implying that switching from an open and competitive environement to a locked one owned by a single entity isn’t an issue. I’m afraid it’s a fundamental one.