The development of the modern Internet has brought significant challenges to traditional mail services. Nowadays, there are likely few paper letters in circulation, and we all use email. In this context, let's introduce the IMAP4 feature. This feature is reflected in many mail systems. Many people recommend Kerio Connect Mailserver, created by Kerio Technologies. Quite a few point out that Kerio is a fully-featured mail server software, and its price is very ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, the key to understanding the value of the Kerio mail server is understanding and utilizing the IMAP4 functionality supported by this software and its Web-based email program, Webmail.
Most people are familiar with common SMTP/POP3 email programs (such as Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express). These email programs can connect to servers and download each user's emails to their own computers. Most of the mail servers we have introduced before are POP3 mail server programs. Although the Kerio mail server can handle POP3 services, it also has IMAP4 functionality. This function allows managing emails on the server without downloading them to the user's computer. The management method of IMAP4 is more centralized, thus enabling various services such as antivirus and spam control to be concentrated on the server rather than in the user’s program. Kerio Webmail is a Web-based email program that has all common email features and also offers WAP functionality to connect to mobile phones.
Our testing of this software primarily focused on the Webmail and IMAP4 features because these two features not only distinguish the Kerio mail server but are also unusual functions, at least currently.
We found that the Kerio mail server manages emails slower than POP3 software, especially when using dial-up connections. However, managing emails in this way has significant advantages. With just a browser, users can receive emails from any computer with an Internet connection, without synchronization issues. Enterprises do not need to support too many complex email programs. IMAP4 can set up public email folders (a common feature in groupware server software). These folders are easy to set up and are very useful for sharing information on enterprise projects.
One reason institutions use their own mail servers is the level of management provided by the server software. The Kerio mail server takes advantage of this benefit by centralizing security measures at the server level. Most of these individual security features are quite common. However, when combined, they make the software feel very manageable to mail administrators.
Unlike most other email servers, the Kerio mail server does not offer just one but multiple antivirus options, such as the well-known McAfee antivirus software that protects both incoming and outgoing emails; F-Secure software used for network emails; Sophos antivirus interface; Grisoft AVG 6.0 Server Edition. McAfee antivirus software is integrated into the mail server; the other three are easily added plugins to the server. The Kerio mail server can filter emails based on file extensions and filter email content, although this feature is not as advanced as in other products like VOP modusMail.
For general email security, the Kerio mail server excels in encryption tasks. This is OpenSSL-provided encryption for POP3, SMTP, IMAP4, and Webmail. In terms of anti-spam, administrators can choose any combination of MAPS blacklists such as RSS, RBL, and DUL to block access from specific IP addresses. User identities can be identified via IP address, or through username and password (validated through NT domain lists), or through the Kerberos 5 protocol. Quotas can be set based on the number of emails per user, the number of emails per hour, or the number of emails that can be sent and received simultaneously.
The installation process handles the installation and setup of the Kerio mail server. Since this is a standard installation process, most installations can proceed smoothly. When many server components of this software are enabled, the Kerio mail server will use a large number of ports. To avoid conflicts, you should not run Web services on this server. The mail service monitor (Windows only) and the management console handle various management tasks, including remote access. Both programs are designed practically and have excellent help files to support easy operation and configuration.
The Kerio mail server supports many configuration options: dial-up networks, local area networks, and leased lines. We really like the software's advanced performance in using dial-up network connections to send and receive emails at scheduled times. The Kerio mail server can integrate multiple POP3 email accounts and neatly place incoming emails in separate folders (an IMAP4 feature). To reliably download emails from other servers, this mail server software supports the ETRN (email processing) activation program.
Although the Kerio mail server is not particularly strong in routing, it supports aliases and groups for accessing mailboxes.
For a mail server software not aimed at large enterprises, the user management function of the Kerio mail server is surprisingly powerful. For example, user lists can be directly transferred from the NT domain user list, Microsoft Active Directory, or using WinRoute Pro software directly into this software, without needing manual input like other software. Additionally, the Kerio mail server has a template system for entering standard information for multiple new user groups. All these functions greatly simplify and speed up user management work. This software also has many user-friendly features, such as multi-language support (English, Dutch, Czech, Slovak, and French).
The server-centric approach taken by IMAP4 and Web-based email access suits many enterprise solutions, especially those where high security and management are essential features. This method is where the Kerio mail server performs best. However, the Kerio mail server is still a comprehensive SMTP/POP3 server that runs on multiple platforms and is very attractively priced. The Kerio mail server strongly persuades institutions to decide whether to manage their own emails.
Article URL: [Eden Network] http://www.edenw.com/tech/net/col/2010-07-14/4679.html