A method for transmitting time-based media across a network. The method involves receiving at a server a message including time-based media intended for a recipient using a globally addressable email address associated with the recipient. Once the email address is defined, it is determined if the domain of the recipient is either outside or inside the one or more domains of the server. If outside, the method involves using a first DNS lookup result of the globally addressable email address to determine if the recipient receives a near real-time communication service and to ascertain a delivery route to deliver the time-based media of the message to the recipient using a near real-time communication protocol. If the first lookup result is positive, the time-based media of the message is progressively and simultaneously transmitted to the recipient as the time-based media is being created. If the first DNS lookup is negative, then a second DNS lookup result is used to determine if the email address receives an email service. If so, then the time-based media of the message is sent to the recipient in a file attached to an email. If the email address is within the one or more domains of the server, then the time-based media is transmitted to the recipient either progressively or as an attachment to an email depending on the services provided to the recipient.