Features

Gordano is a company that has made the messaging arena its own. Its NTMail product was a revolution when it was first launched in 1994, and it was recently re-branded and overhauled to become Gordano Messaging Suite (GMS).

Installation is simple and straightforward, and Gordano has also ensured that the product is suitable for all major operating ­ systems. Once installed, navigation is easy: the product is logically structured with well-laid out GUIs. Both configuration and management are carried out via a web-based interface.

CyberGuard offers a range of firewall/VPN appliances with specifications ranging from three Ethernet interfaces and 125Mbits/ sec throughput to 21 Ethernet interfaces and 2Gbits/sec throughput. All have an integrated VPN, run the same firewall software, and have the same configuration GUI. We tested model KS1500, which can have up to 18 Ethernet interfaces, of which two are gigabit-over-copper as standard.
Performance is the strength of the KS1500, which is designed to cope with 1.5 Gbits/sec throughput and up to 1.2 million simultaneous connections. The firewall boasts a host of certification standards including Common Criteria Eval­ uation Assurance Level 4+ (EAL4+), ICSA, ITSEC E3, Checkmark, etc. The secure operating system was designed to meet TCSEC/NCSC criteria at the 'Orange-book' B2 level.

ViraLock takes a different approach to securing a users' email system from the ravages of viruses and other malware. Rather than prevent a virus infection, the software is designed to work with existing anti-virus applications and firewall systems to prevent a users' mailbox from being compromised by an executable of any type.

One potential security loophole that is frequently overlooked is access to removable media. Many access control products will bar your way into the file server, log your attempts to look at the payroll database, and prevent you from using certain applications, but this is all at the system level.

EnCase from Guidance Software has established itself as the leading tool for forensic investigators. Perceiving a need for similar tools in the enterprise space, the company announced EnCase Enterprise Edition, bringing most of the functionality enjoyed by criminal forensic investigators to corporate users.

If you think Unix houses have been ignored in this test, Symark's PowerBroker is just for you. Supporting multiple flavors of Linux and Unix - including IBM S390 Linux - PowerBroker ensures Unix administrative privileges can be safely managed and delegated.

For the larger SME that requires server protection which also covers workstations throughout an organization, eTrust AntiVirus can be called upon.

This solution is probably more suited to the smaller business model as it requires separate installation at every workstation, unless you utilize the separate deployment console BitDefender Enterprise. This allows the installation, scanning, uninstall or the change of settings on all machines in the network. It can also be deployed across the larger network using wireless application protocol (WAP).

OfficeScan gives the administrator some real choices when it comes to network deployment, from centralized roll out to imaging, remote installation and an uninstall of other anti-virus products to facilitate an OfficeScan install. These are not options that many of the other solutions are offering, and for the larger SME or it may prove a real boon.

NOD32 can be initiated for server or workstation use, making it very flexible for the SME market. The range of features is also good. Automatic updates are provided, and it also offers updates via CD or floppy disk for non-networked machines. Central configuration can be rolled out to workstations and a silent alert can be achieved for admin use.

Not all users want to resort to single user products to protect their SME business systems, and often the corporate editions are just not geared to the smaller business model. But McAfee Active Virus Defense Small Business Edition offers the level of security required for the SME market without compromising on any vital areas of virus protection. It delivers a suite of products that enables the SMEs amongst us to manage, update, and police our systems before any damage is done.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus supports a number of environments, which include Linux, Unix (Free­ BSD, BSDi, OpenBSD, Solaris), Novell NetWare, MS Exchange, Lotus Notes, Domino, Sendmail, Qmail, Exim, Postfix and all the Windows versions.

Most vendors deliver a variety of packages for different needs, but F-Secure puts one solution into a host of business models. Whether you are looking for a single user license, SME or enterprise, F-Secure AntiVirus version 5 delivers the whole shooting match.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus supports a number of environments, which include Linux, Unix (Free­ BSD, BSDi, OpenBSD, Solaris), Novell NetWare, MS Exchange, Lotus Notes, Domino, Sendmail, Qmail, Exim, Postfix and all the Windows versions.

Not all users want to resort to single user products to protect their SME business systems, and often the corporate editions are just not geared to the smaller business model. But McAfee Active Virus Defense Small Business Edition offers the level of security required for the SME market without compromising on any vital areas of virus protection. It delivers a suite of products that enables the SMEs amongst us to manage, update, and police our systems before any damage is done.

NOD32 can be initiated for server or workstation use, making it very flexible for the SME market. The range of features is also good. Automatic updates are provided, and it also offers updates via CD or floppy disk for non-networked machines. Central configuration can be rolled out to workstations and a silent alert can be achieved for admin use.

Access control comes in many flavors, depending on what you want or don't want users to have access to. Now it's the turn of other documents to get some added protection with Adhaero's business document security solution. This protection extends beyond the network, and documents under its aegis can only be read by authorized eyes. It allows Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook objects to be encrypted, and then assigns digital rights that dictate what can be done to them.

Baltimore has produced one of the best access control products currently on the market. Select-Access is a welcome step forward in access control.

We are back in the world of passwords for Computer Associates' offering. Part of the eTrust suite of products, eTrust AccessControl is another policy-based application, fully integrated with the other eTrust products, as well as with CA's UniCenter network management software. It is designed to operate in Windows, Unix and Linux, and interoperates with (surprising, but not unwelcome), mainframe environments.

Novell is no stranger to access management; such functionality was built into its NetWare operating system from day one, and is an integral part of its Directory Services offering. So, it comes as no surprise to see a standalone Novell product in this Group Test.