METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING DATA

A request message is sent by a client to a server according to a first protocol (e.g., HTTP) identifying a data file and a storage location, such as an E-mail address. In response the server forwards the requested data file to the E-mail address according to a second protocol (e.g., SMTP). In doing so large amounts of data can be retrieved at a future time when network traffic is lower. Also, if the client does not have the necessary hardware/software setup, the requested data file can be retrieved by a second client which may have capability to present the information in the data file to the user. The different types of information that are capable of being handled by software operating at the client (e.g., web browser) can be handled by the E-mail software operating at the client.