Content

NetIQ MailMarshal SMTP

New Zealand-based Marshal Software, now part of NetIQ, might not be so well known as some vendors in this Group Test, but it has produced an impressive product in its MailMarshal application, a fully-fledged email security solution.

MailMarshal is suitable for any type of organization. For small businesses, it can be used to replace the existing mail server and act as a POP3 server for up to 500 users. Larger organizations can co-locate the product on their SMTP server (although this is another spool-and-forward application, so performance is an issue), or install it on a dedicated machine.

Given the power and functionality of MailMarshal, installation is far from taxing. You just proceed through a set of windows, checking off the options.

At this point you have access to a plethora of features covering every aspect of email security. Rules can be set to block attachments for multiple reasons, such as size, type, origin and destination, and attachments are automatically and repeatedly unpacked so that content can be analyzed. There is extensive keyword searching which can be weighted, and there is full notification when violations occur. If you install the optional MailMarshal Secure application, you also have full encryption ­ capabilities.

One problem that some spool-and-forward products encounter is becoming overloaded with new emails faster than they can be processed, creating a bottleneck and severe performance issues - a perfect weak spot for a DoS attack. MAILMarshal overcomes this by allowing you to limit the number of emails it will accept by using a throttle control.

Anti-virus functionality is provided via third-party software, including McAfee, F-Secure and Sophos, while reports are generated using the versatile Crystal Reports application.

If all of this seems overwhelming, there is ample documentation of a high standard to help you.

This is a stunning product. From its efficient installation to the rich set of features it provides, MailMarshal is an impressive and powerful email security product and it is definitely worth downloading the 30-day trial version from the company's web site.

Product title
NetIQ MailMarshal SMTP
Product info
Name: NetIQ MailMarshal SMTP (Email Security group test) Description: Price: $1,360 (50 users)
Strength
Frighteningly simple installation and a staggeringly comprehensive set of security features.
Weakness
None
Verdict
Marshal Software may not be well known, but it deserves to be for a product as outstanding as this.

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.