TFS Technology has taken a holistic approach to the whole subject of internet and email security, and the result is the extremely powerful Secure Messaging Server. The server acts as a firewall, ensuring that infected inbound emails don't get anywhere near your network.
Installation and configuration (Windows only) are simple and an application, TFS Administrator, does most of the hard work for you. This application is used for all configuration tasks, unless you want to do this remotely, in which case another product, TFS Secure Messaging Manager, allows this through a web browser. The Manager is also responsible for the security functions of the product.
TFS Secure Messaging Server is designed to integrate transparently with all of the popular email systems, including MS Exchange, Novell GroupWise and Lotus Notes, using a set of connection modules to achieve this, and making it extremely flexible and scaleable.
Once installed and configured, the wealth of security features becomes obvious. Virus scanning is performed by third-party software, but unfortunately it doesn't offer to disinfect any positive emails - after notifying the administrator it deletes the offending article.
There is considerable support for encryption. Both PGP and S/MIME are included. Because encryption and decryption occur at the server level, users are saved the task. Digital signatures and public/ private asymmetric keys are also supported. Spamming can be eliminated with the content and location filtering.
One of the most interesting features is built-in support for VPNs. If you have a distributed network, the server can establish a secure tunnel between different instances of the product, ensuring that internal emails will never pass onto the internet.
Reporting and archiving should satisfy even the most fastidious of administrators. From a messaging point of view, the product can manage email lists, sit between an existing mail gateway and the internet, and ensure that all directories across the network are synchronized.
As well as excellent documentation, the product comes with free 30-day support, and the option of a maintenance agreement.
TFS Secure Messaging Server is an ideal solution for the larger organization. Its wealth of security features will ensure the highest level of protection from external and internal threats.
