Your email platform is the nerve center of your company, disseminating vital information to clients, employees and management. Unfortunately, in this age of computer-disabling viruses and spam, too often your mail exchange server is under constant threat. When choosing email server software, you want a package that is all-inclusive, one that provides you with effective email server protection as well as a competitive bundle of products.

Many of today's mail server software offers the standard FTP and Web-based products in addition to spam and virus protection. But a smart company looks beyond the basics and demands a comprehensive package that includes the latest in email server technology. So what should you look for when choosing mail exchange server software for your company?

1. The overall protection provided for your incoming mail server, which is the most vulnerable to viruses and spam

2. An integrated package of email server software applications that not only includes web and FTP servers, but instant messaging that provides fast connectivity, and Outlook and phone syncs

3. Reliable customer service and technical support

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy email server software that offers a complete bundle of products

In today's fast-paced business environment, a communication system that is quick and efficient is requisite to a company's viability. You want an FTP and web-based system that is problem-free, an instant messaging service that interconnects with a variety of gateways and a high level of spam and virus protection for your incoming mail server.

I recommend: IceWarp Merak Mail Server Software provides a fully-integrated package that offers an impressive menu of products that not only includes the above but also includes groupware collaboration, universal server migration, and a phone sync server that synchronizes with various PDAs and smart phones. Whether you have a Windows mail server or a Linux mail server, IceWarp can provide for either platform.

Look for innovation to stay steps ahead of today's technology

Many of the email servers today are based on an outmoded technology. Don't invest time and money in a system that is years behind today's latest innovations. Whether you just want to move beyond the basic Outlook server or are a Mac user, you need email server software that has hassle-free protocol and compatibility, as well as great end-user benefits.

I recommend: Zimbra's Collaboration Suite 5.0 is at the forefront of messaging and collaboration and is popular with businesses, universities and ISPs. Because it is open source, developers can add on features or customize current functions. Zimbra's Ajax email client allows you to better manage your messages, share address books and calendars for easier collaboration. Other features include Zimbra Mobile, which provides "over-the-air" synchronization, and an innovative email archive, which gives you a cost-efficient alternative to archiving and compliance.

Find a server that offers unique features

Yes, you want the standard: an email server software that is compatible with any platform, including Windows, Linux and Solaris and one that provides secure support for all protocols. But what about a server that allows you to link systems and 'match' email from both systems? Or even text message?

I recommend: NetWin's SurgeMail offers a unique live replication for easy system cross-matching. Try SurgeMail's standalone blogging server to create a company blog or send text messages between your email and SMS.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of the free mail server software trials to determine the best fit for your business needs.