.Mac is based on iTools (not to be confused with Tenon's web application with the same name), which were Internet tools available free of charge for Mac users. .Mac is a suite of Internet services and software launched at Macworld Expo, New York on July 17, 2002, and initially offered several tools to subscribers:
HomePage - a personal web hosting service
iDisk - an online disk storage service
@mac.com - e-mail service provider
Backup - a personal back-up solution that allows users to archive data to their iDisk, CD or DVD.
iCards - an online greeting card service
iReview - a website review service
As iDisk made use of WebDAV technology and mac.com was an IMAP service, these services could be accessed from any other computer platform (although a Mac was needed to establish an account).
On September 17, 2002 Apple announced that more than 100,000 .Mac users had subscribed to the company's .Mac suite of Internet services and software since its launch in July.
On September 30, 2002, the iTools service was discontinued, though .Mac continued as a subscription service.