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Pleasant Password Server

Pleasant Password Server (PPS) is a simple yet effective way for organizations to manage their passwords everywhere. By starting with a strong, open source base, Pleasant Solutions builds a robust, reliable program. PPS is built on top of the open source KeePass password manager, and all of the extensions for KeePass are compatible. Because of this, Pleasant Password Server can be expanded to store the credentials for virtually anything. Another feature we liked is its ability to integrate with LDAP-based directories. 

To set the tool up, we went to the company's website and checked out the installation guide. Installation was simple. Even though the server application can run on Windows 7, for simplicity we installed it on our SC Lab domain controller running Windows Server 2008 R2. To set up the server, all we had to do was run the installer from the CD. It installed .NET automatically and then installed all of its components. When we were all done, the setup opened the management webpage automatically. We were extremely pleased with how easy the product was to set up.

After we had the product fully deployed, we began testing it. To start, we logged in as a regular user. We added some accounts and played around with the program. We tested out some of the extensions that are available and were amazed with the variety. PPS works natively with web login pages. To add an account for a web page, all one need do is place the URL into the client software and then input the username and password. When the admin wants to re-launch the webpage, simply double click it in the manager. PPS will not automatically type in the password for webpages, but we installed an extension that enabled this. One of the best security features in PPS is the system that it uses to defeat keyloggers. PPS uses a complex system of copying and pasting some parts of the login and then typing in the rest of it randomly. This makes it extremely difficult to keylog because it uses multiple methods. Once we were done with that, we logged in as administrator and created a shared company resource. We allowed some of our users to access it by setting up a group.

The documentation for PPS was average. It was all easily accessible on their website and was well written. The documentation was all text, however, and could have benefitted from some screen shots. Overall, the documentation was still helpful.

Pleasant Solutions offers free support with Pleasant Password Server, but extended options are also available. To start, the free support lasts for one year and includes 5/8 phone and email support. Access to the support website is also included. The company also offers extended-hours support. Assistance 7/12 and 24/7 can be purchased for one year at $1,200 and $2,000 respectively. If one opts to purchase two years of extended-hours support, the price will be discounted 20 percent.

Overall, Pleasant Password Server is a good choice for managing company passwords. It is easy to set up and work with, and comes with the best ratio of price and features. The documentation could use a little work, but other than that PPS is a great product.

Product title
Pleasant Password Server
Product info
Name: Pleasant Password Server Description: A simple yet effective way for organizations to manage their passwords everywhere. Price: Comes in packs of five users at $125 per pack.
Strength
Easy setup with a wide range of extensions available.
Weakness
Documentation needs a little work.
Verdict
Best combination of price and features out there.

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