ANTenna Blog -- Networking & Communications

Email has evolved from a productivity improvement system to a mission critical application in many organizations. Consequently, companies are starting to require the same level of backup and availability with it as with other applications, such as their ERP system.

MessageLabs, a messaging and web security services supplier with more than 18,000 clients, has made its mark in the email filtering market, competing with vendors, such as Postini. Recently, the vendor expanded its reach to enable companies to protect, control, encrypt, and archive their email and instant messaging traffic. Consequently, it is competing against a raft of vendors trying to develop all-encompassing email management solutions.

The vendor recently added added its MessageLabs Email Continuity service to its Software as a Service (SaaS) platform.. The service includes a number of interesting features. Recovery and restoration of sent and received email messages takes place in one step. An automatic synchronization function automates the updating of corporate directories, user accounts, contacts, calendars and distribution lists. A rapid activation capability provides employees with email and mobile access during an outage within minutes.

MessageLabs has done a good job identifying market trends and developing products that meet customers every changing requirements. Its SaaS approach has been a favorite among small and medium businesses because it relieves them from staffing and maintenance chores. However, the company faces challenges as it attempts to keep pace in the rapidly changing email management market. Many of its traditional competitors have been acquired by large, well know firms, such as Cisco, Google, and Microsoft. With those companies throwing significantly research and development and marketing dollars at their expanding email solutions, it may become more difficult for MessageLabs to maintain its momentum.

What backup functions are available with your email system? How confident are you in those capabilities? Would you feel comfortable with a service from a vendor, such as MessageLabs?