Email Security - Software vs. Appliance
Should you buy an email security appliance or install software on your own?
Email Security – Software vs. Appliance
Each company’s decision will be based on its particular circumstances, size and security needs.
Benefits of a software approach to email security
- Most packages designed for SMBs are easy to install, configure and use
- Pricing is reasonable and return on investment is often immediate (eg. mail archiving; spam; anti-virus etc)
- Administrator has full control over how the software is implemented
- Software can be customized and tweaked
- Control over updates and patches – ability to pre-test patches
- Software can reside on existing hardware saving money
- Software can be easily reinstalled; data recovered from backup if system fails
- Can protect internal email as well as inbound/outbound email
Downside of using software
- Multiple packages can be a headache to maintain and update
- IT personnel required to maintain network
- Some systems require in-depth technical knowledge
- In the absence of IT personnel, cost of external IT support comes into play
Benefits of an ‘appliance’ approach
- Complexity of operation is eliminated; runs on its own with minimal intervention
- Easier management in the absence of an IT team
- Vendor can provide install, configuration and maintenance support as part of purchase
- Avoid vendor finger-pointing
- Simplified infrastructure
Downside of using appliances
- Affordability can be an issue for small companies
- Might not make it the most efficient configuration for every user
- If the appliance fails, company is down until a replacement arrives
- Probably won’t give you visibility into internal email
