GFI Releases GFI MailEssentials for Exchange/SMTP 8
Offers best-in-class anti-spam weaponry at the server level
London, UK, 19 February 2003 – Spam. Everybody hates it. Nobody wants it — and for good reason: unsolicited email is not only offensive, inappropriate and fraudulent, but spam also wastes network users’ time and network resources. According to a January 2003 CNN report, spam costs businesses US$13bn annually. In addition, spam can be dangerous. Combating it is both a business necessity and a public service.
MailEssentials 8 key anti-spam weapon
As part of its total email solution, GFI today launched GFI MailEssentials for Exchange/SMTP 8, a major upgrade to its critically acclaimed and industry recognized GFI MailEssentials for Exchange/SMTP 7.
Server-based anti-spam solution
GFI MailEssentials is a server-based anti-spam solution that installs at the gateway and eliminates the administrative headache presented by client- based anti-spam products. System administrators no longer need to deploy anti-spam products on each of the network’s individual workstations, nor conduct time-consuming maintenance of individual updates each time anti-spam rules need changing. Another advantage that a server-based product like GFI MailEssentials 8 has over client-based applications is that it can protect the mail server’s message stores from clogging up with spam.
Integration of key anti-spam components
GFI MailEssentials 8 includes several advanced anti-spam components that detect typical spam practices, such as incorrect “From” headers with nonexistent domains. Besides, GFI MailEssentials allows administrators to configure lists of keywords and phrases enabling it to identify some spam. GFI MailEssentials 8 also adds support for Microsoft Active Directory; whitelist auto-population; the ability to block spam by character set; binding to IIS Virtual SMTP Servers; support for multiple DNS blacklists and fake non-delivery reports generation.
Support for multiple DNS blacklists
GFI MailEssentials 8 is designed to integrate with industry-wide watchdog and identification groups, the “DNS Blacklists” such as ORDB and Spamhaus that rapidly identify domains that are spammers or are insufficiently secure and are exploited by spammers.
Automatic whitelist management reduces false Positives
GFI MailEssentials 8 includes a patented automatic whitelist management tool. This unique technology means that all business partners are automatically added to your whitelist and their mail will not be passed through the spam filter, greatly reducing false positives.
Fake non-delivery reports (NDRs)
Spammers often send volume emails to valid email address that they sell or trade with each other. GFI MailEssentials 8 bounces spam back to the sender with a false non-delivery report. The NDR leads them to believe that the user’s address is invalid, and gets that organization’s addresses off the spam list.
Block foreign language spam
Many spam mails are in a foreign language, meaning that administrators can greatly reduce spam simply by blocking mail written in, say, Japanese. Using the GFI MailEssentials language detection feature, companies can block mail using certain character sets.
Expanded disclaimer/footer text
With GFI MailEssentials, organizations can add a legal disclaimer and/or a standard corporate message to each outgoing email at any of several levels. Disclaimers can be configured for individual users, groups or an entire domain.
Key features retained
Like its predecessor, GFI MailEssentials 8 provides critical email features and tools not currently found in Microsoft Exchange and other mail servers, allowing for a more effective use of corporate email systems. With GFI MailEssentials, administrators can add a corporate message to all outgoing email; archive all inbound and outbound Internet mail to a database; and create reports on email use such as detailed logs of sent mail, daily statistics and reports per user or by date range. In addition, they can download mail from POP3 mailboxes and direct it to one or more mailboxes; and send server-based auto replies that can be personalized. The program enables a mail server to act as an information-on-demand service, returning documents like price lists and brochures automatically on request.
Pricing, specifications & availability
GFI MailEssentials 8 is available from distributors around the world or online at the GFI site. Pricing starts at US$225 for 10 mailboxes. GFI MailEssentials 8 can be purchased in a bundle with GFI MailSecurity, GFI’s email content security product, at pricing starting at US$445 for 10 mailboxes. More information about GFI MailEssentials and a trial version are available at: http://www.gfi.com/mes/.
About GFI
GFI is a leading provider of Windows-based content security, network security and messaging software. Key products include the GFI FAXmaker fax connector for Exchange and fax server for networks; GFI MailSecurity email content/exploit checking and anti-virus software; and the GFI LANguard family of network security products. Clients include Microsoft, Telstra, Time Warner Cable, Shell Oil Lubricants, NASA, DHL, Caterpillar, BMW, the US IRS, and the USAF. GFI has five offices in the US, UK, Germany, Australia and Malta, and has a worldwide network of distributors. GFI is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and has won the Microsoft Fusion 2000 (GEM) Packaged Application Partner of the Year award.