Review: Red Earth Software Policy Patrol Enterprise

For: Expansive feature set and comprehensive filtering and protection. Against: Does require other resources, such as an SQL Server. Verdict: This tool is full of useful features, but to work it requires some external support products, such as SQL Server.

It features content checking and management, attachment checking, spam and phishing detection and optional anti-virus. The Policy Patrol tool can also seamlessly add company disclaimers and signatures to outbound email and manage email archiving and compression.

This product is a straightforward software install, however, it does require access to an SQL Server database for archiving and reporting capabilities. If an SQL database is not available, one must be configured prior to installation. Setup is guided by an easy-to-follow wizard, which in a few steps helps configure most initial settings. After the installation is complete, management is done through the management console application. This application uses a simple, intuitive tree structure for navigation.

Policy configuration is done in the rule section of the management console. This section includes three subsections: enterprise rules, disclaimer rules and compression rules. Each of these sections have their own subsection. The enterprise rules section is where content and attachment rules can be setup.

This product comes with a quick-start guide and a full manual. The quick-start guide provides a large amount of detail on possible deployment options, installation and initial configuration. The manual gives a more in-depth look at product features and advance configurations. Both of these guides include many screen shots and examples.

Technical support is offered free of charge for the first 30 days. After that, a valid maintenance contract is required to receive technical support. Maintenance also includes free product upgrades. Support includes both phone and email support, as well as self-support available on the website in the form of a knowledge base and product documentation.

We find this product to be a good value for the money. With a price tag starting at almost US$400 for 10 users, this can become a pricey investment for larger environments. However, it does offer some very comprehensive features and is easy to administer.

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