New Gordano Suite Bumps Up Security

Gordano&s newest e-mail suite is a step ahead of the competition by tackling many of the access problems plaguing e-mail servers. The Gordano Messaging Suite (GMS) arrives with stronger security against malware by protecting all points of access in and out of its messaging server. When sending or retrieving, GMS scans POP, IMAP and WebMail messages, including all attachments—which is no small feat for a suite that is platform-agnostic and works with multiple domains, making it a prime target for viruses.

GMS has instituted virus scanning anywhere a message can enter its servers. For instance, word documents attached to calendar events are now scanned. When scheduling meetings or updating tasks, users are unable to attach virus-infected file calendars, tasks or notes. In cases where a virus macro can be disinfected from an Excel or Word file, GMS will transmit the clean file. If GMS cannot deactivate a virus, it will remove that attachment. Through IMAP, GMS will not append virus-infected files into mailboxes. The WebMail client also performs virus checks and provides the same security procedures.

GMS now supports Sender Policy Framework (SPF) records, which is a widely recognized antispam and sender mechanism for SMTP transmission. GMS also supports address rewriting for SPF records compatibility. Administrators can add default records for companies that do not have an SPF record, so any legitimate e-mail address can get in.

The GMS Collaboration Server is unique in that it uses virtual business cards (vCards) and Apple&s iCal over HTTP to automatically support multiple calendar clients when collaborating. For instance, this feature allows Mozilla Sunbird users to share calendar information in realtime with Apple iCal or Microsoft Outlook users. The GMS WebMail client also supports vCards and allows users to add or remove contacts and attach them to messages with .vcf extensions. In addition to calendaring, the GMS Collaboration Server provides integration of address books, tasks, journals and notes, including folder-sharing via IMAP.

While this server provides collaboration across e-mail clients and servers by reducing many repetitive tasks and producing better communication, administrators might find it difficult to address many server-side integration issues. For instance, there are limitations on how e-mail clients are supported by the Collaboration Server. These limitations are based on lack of support for collaboration features and general setup procedures.

The GMS Collaboration Server only has documentation for integration support of Outlook, Eudora and Netscape address books. Also, when Mozilla clients are being supported by GMS, CRN Test Center engineers found limitations in Sunbird that can pose headaches for users when publishing and collaborating. These complexities might prove too troublesome for some users and administrators.

GMS supports WAP and arrives with WAP mail client via HTTP. However, only e-mail messaging is supported. Users can send, cancel, reply and forward messages. Working with large messages might be difficult since engineers could not find a method to cut off data streaming to the WAP clients.

Within an Outlook client, users now have Instant Messenger (IM). IM works with the GMS WebMail and also can send SMS or pagers to cellular phones. Users can choose what devices or communication methods to make available on IM so others can view them. Gordano&s reseller margins range from 10 percent to 40 percent. In addition, the company provides 10 percent for MDF. Resellers must hit a minimum sales target of $4,500 to qualify for inclusion. They must maintain this figure per quarter to remain in the program. All resellers receive free technical support, live phone help and dedicated support for presales. The price for the first 1,000 users equates to $26.60 per user.