Ultimate anti-spam guide: 11 products tested


Contents
Introduction
 BitDefender
 Clearswift
 CA eTrust
 GFI
 IronPort
 MailGuard
 McAfee
 MessageLabs
 NetIQ
 Network Box
 Symantec
 Specifications
 Editor's Choice
 About RMIT
 How we tested
IronPort C30

Of three appliances submitted in this round-up, IronPort is certainly the big brother of the systems. Sporting redundant power supplies, hard drives, and dual processor capabilities in the higher-end models, this is a purpose-built messaging gateway, with extra security features that simply would not be possible to integrate into a software application.

Naturally, because of the extra features and the hardware involved, this solution comes at a premium price, however if security is your aim and you would prefer not to have your mail servers in the front line, then our suggestion would be to evaluate one or more of the three appliances here.

Initial installation and configuration takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes for a total newcomer to the equipment, however once experienced this could probably be completed in less than 10 minutes.

For those of you who have had experience with IronPort appliances, the latest versions of the IronPort operating system now come with a graphical user interface (GUI) that steps the operator through each step of the initial configuration.

For the die hards out there don't despair you can still access all the features and functionality you need with the command line interface (CLI) -- it hasn't disappeared.

Due to the interface configurations the mail servers can be totally shielded from the rest of the world. There are also many advanced features that operators can select to use which adds up to great security, granularity in configuration, and flexibility.

Overall, while not the cheapest box on the block the IronPort systems are still definitely one to put on the shortlist, particularly for larger organisations or ones requiring a high level of security.

Click to enlarge
Product IronPort C-Series mail gateway appliances models C10, C30, C60
Price AU$18,000-AU$200,000+
Vendor IronPort Systems
Phone 02 9943 1860
Web www.ironport.com.au
 
Interoperability
Works with any mail server.
Futureproofing ½
Very good range of features provided and very good reporting.
ROI ½
If the business has at least 250+ mailboxes to protect then the pricing is attractive.
Service
12 months warranty.
Rating

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Talkback 4 comments

    Where can I buy Symantec Brigh ...Anonymous -- 23/04/05

    Where can I buy Symantec Brightmail Anti-Spam v6.01? please

    We trialled both Mailguard &am ...Anonymous -- 01/06/05

    We trialled both Mailguard & MessageLabs.

    MessageLabs is seemingly run out of the UK. To make a simple change required talking to someone in the UK, faxing a form to the UK, and waiting for them to be available.

    Not ideal.

    RE: MailGuard propaganda posts Anonymous -- 21/02/08 (in reply to #120117717)

    Geez, i wonder which of the two firms the anonymous poster is aligned to?? MessageLabs have a sydney office, have far a greater number of and far larger australian client base than MailGuard, and have never experienced the service outages that plague MailGuards poorly conceived and architected systems. Ever heard of availability & capacity management?? How bout mis-leading and deceptive conduct, alla "100% uptime" as is claimed in your marketing. Sub 25 seats, where you dont rely that heavily on your email, use MailGuard as they are cheap. > 50 seats, use MessageLabs, or Postini or Microsoft (whom acquired Frontbridge in 2006). You get what you pay for afterall.

    Messagelabs propaganda post Anonymous -- 02/09/09 (in reply to #320095926)

    Geez, I wonder which company the above anonymous poster is aligned to!

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