How can i check my remote mail server is up and running

Hi,

I am using wm4.6 and SMTP server is configured on the other system. I am facing problem with my SMTP server very frequently, due to which my IS is not able to send error and informational mail, though the messages are getting processed successfully. Can any body tell me how can i check my SMTP server is up and running using webMethods programatically? My IS is installed on Windows 2000.