We looked at the SM6 version of PineApp’s Mail-SeCure range, which provides a lot of features in its 1 U chassis. Apart from plenty of mail filtering options, it can also act as a mail server. Load balancing is also possible between units.
The system can be more closely integrated into existing networks by using LDAP services to validate users. Anti-spam functions are handled by sub-systems such as CommTouch’s Recurrent Pattern Detection software and PineApp’s Zombie Detection System.
The management interface is accessed through a web browser and is well-designed and easy to use. But while there is a CD-Rom with comprehensive installation and operating documentation, the only on-screen help is downloads and hot links to PineApp support pages and email support.
The system can block senders by address and domain, and block recipients, preventing mail accumulating for staff who might have left the company.
Consideration has been given to remote management, and remote access can be restricted to specified IP addresses. Modem access is also possible.
The system offers a “Backscatter” feature that attempts to deal with non-delivery notices received from unexpected sources, generally caused by the deliberate forging of return addresses by viruses or by spammers. It attempts to identify these by checking the mail header and IP address of the originating system against that of the local system.
Further useful features include re-routing specific email addresses to different servers, designating power users so their mail is not passed through the scanners, and even a wizard to help you set up an internet connection for the device.
Reporting and analysis needs are well catered for. Statistics can be generated and viewed online and exported in csv format for further processing elsewhere, while daily reports are automatically sent to all users configured in the system.
