MailMarshal SMTP gateway is a software-based solution that protects inbound and outbound email messages using common threat management and encryption.
The software is typically installed on a Windows operating system (Windows 2003 for our tests) and uses MS SQL Server as its backend database. It operates in a gateway mode, supporting downstream Message Transfer Agent and SMTP architectures.
Setup was fairly easy and the presentation of the administration console is available either as a web interface or directly on the server itself as a client/server console. The admin interface options were average at best.
There are several disparate component applications to use, such as the console, configurator, server manager, synchronisation tool. M86 would have done well to combine all of them into one interface, as administrative tasks feel pieced together at times.
Overall, the features provided are decent. There are some good fundamental aspects of email security and content management, but more advanced and demanding organisations may have to add additional licences and products outside of the MailMarshal functionality. For example, email encryption is provided only at the gateway level using SMTP over TLS.
Anti-virus is not included, although MailMarshal does integrate with many popular scanners. Spambot protection for anti-spam is a nice touch; but for more robust protection, IP reputation filtering is an additional licence.
MailMarshal does have good administrative features such as LDAP integration, reporting, monitoring, alerts and updates from the console itself. The content analysis features provide some good pre-built dictionaries to capture data leakage as well. Policy creation and application are straightforward. Overall, the solution is a bit lacking on its own and needs additional components to come together.
Documentation is adequate and the M86 website provides good support, including online portals and documents.
Basic support offers access to a knowledgebase but does not cover support or maintenance. Essential care (8/5) and premium care (24/7) options are available.