Stop spam at the server: 5 packages tested

McAfee SpamKiller for Microsoft Exchange Small Business v2.0

Spam filters
Introduction
1. Clearswift MailSweeper
2. GFI MailEssentials
3. McAfee SpamKiller
4. NetIQ MailMarshal
5. SurfControl
Specifications
Final words
Scenario
About RMIT
Installation was a walk in the park. Put it this way: the licence manual accompanying the package is 130 pages or so, the installation guide is 16 pages, with only two pages dedicated to the actual installation. The application must be installed on the Exchange 2000 server itself and must have at least SP2, the .NET framework, and Microsoft Data Access Components 2.7 installed. (The application installation will perform .NET and MDAC for you if necessary.)

Configuration was equally easy with a simple step (once the application is installed) of adding the existing users and/or groups into the SpamKiller user group section of the Active Directory service. Note that SpamKiller has a limitation of 500 users per server. A simple test e-mail from an external source is then sent to the server and providing that checks out then the installation and configuration has been successful.

The administration console for SpamKiller is very simple to operate and understand. However the specific individual rule commands may seem a little daunting at first. A quick read of the 38-page product guide PDF (that is installed with the application) gives you an understanding of how to progress and create custom rules. The application comes come with a vast array of pre-defined rules, as well as allowing the administrator to specify additional downloaded blacklists and whitelists.

While far simpler to install and administer than some of the other packages in this roundup there are certain features that could be further refined, such as the creation and administration of rules. This however is more of a design/operability issue than a functionality issue and some administrators may be more than happy with the current design.

Product: McAfee SpamKiller for Exchange Small Business
Price: AU$28.65 per user
Vendor: Network Associates
Phone: 1800 644 646
Web: www.networkassociates.com

Interoperability:
Windows 2000 only, Exchange only.

Futureproofing: ½
Fully configurable with full support for future updates.

ROI: ½
An inexpensive solution for SMEs with up to 100 mailboxes.

Service:
12-month warranty included in purchase price.

Rating:

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