The only product we tested that did not support Microsoft Windows NT/95/98 was Novell's Netscape Messaging Server 3 for NetWare (NMS). Born with Netscape Communicator's genes, NMS packs a punch with its seamless integration of NDS and NetWare administration utilities. In fact, ignoring its high price ($1,295 for 50 users), NMS is one of the better mail-server solutions we tested, and is ideal for any NetWare-based network. Conversely, the complexities of a NetWare server and a costly start-up may put NMS out of reach for non-NetWare networks.

NMS' tight integration with NDS is its most impressive feature. Configuring the NMS calls upon standard NetWare server administration tools. During installation, NMS updated the NDS schema (structure and definitions of the NDS tree) to accommodate the server and user objects.

Server and individual user accounts administration is handled via the NetWare Administrator (NWADMIN.EXE) using a special snap-in. On the downside, we were required to install the snap-in on each machine that administered the server. The newest version of the administrator is handled by a "Snapins" directory that's located in SYS:WIN32. (The new NetWare Administrator is included with Novell's Z.E.N.works and the upcoming NetWare 5.) The mail server is also accessible via the Web when the accompanying Administration Server is installed, removing the geographical restrictions of the IPX/SPX-based NetWare Administrator.

Using the administration server, we configured the NMS' anti-spam feature, which let us restrict mail delivered to users; administrators simply indicate which mail domains and addresses are deemed to be sources of spam mail. During our tests, we listed an external mailing address as spam and all incoming mail from that source was filtered and removed. As with similar Web interfaces from Imail and Service Pack for Exchange, users can access their mail stores from anywhere on the network using the Messenger Express Agent (MEA), a Web interface for accessing user mail that supports both normal and secure Web access via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Unlike Imail's and Exchange's Web interfaces, MEA uses SSL to secure all information retrieved from and sent to the NMS server, protecting all information while in transit.

Internet Shopper NTMail Office

NTMail Office is one of two mail servers we tested that relies solely on Web access for configuration and daily use; Stalker Software's CommuniGate Pro is the other. Like CommuniGate Pro, NTMail was easy to set up and configure. Features include spam protection or JUCE (Junk Unsolicited Commercial E-mail), Web access for users and their mail, and complex SMTP configuration options. NTMail is almost as effective as N-PLEX and Imail, providing mail services with only one interface for configuration. But while NTMail is certainly an adequate mail server and reasonably priced--$495 for a 50-user license--it suffers badly in the area of directory services.

In the lab, installing NTMail took only a few minutes. After entering the domain name and administrative password, we were directed to the Web interface for user and further server configuration. Although this interface acts much like CommuniGate Pro's Web interface, it is much more well-designed and laid out, and easier to navigate. Both products' interfaces offer context-aware help and guide you through any troublesome configuration procedures.

NTMail let us create user accounts using the administrative account. You can update all user information, vacation messages and mail forwards, and plan information directly from the Web page. Unlike Imail and Exchange, which operate as standalone mail servers, users will need a third-party mail client, such as Eudora Pro, to access their mail.

But despite NTMail's strong Web interface, it remains somewhat more difficult to use than NMS and N-PLEX. User account information for address retrieval and directory services is also less robust and difficult to use. You cannot query user databases for user account information, which means you have to maintain at least one additional user list. And unlike Exchange and NMS, user information must be updated in more than one location to reflect changes in the user directory.