Whether you're sending a critical business memo or reminding a coworker about an afterwork get-together, information delivery to the desktop is essential for effective communication. Workgroups in particular require e-mail solutions that are simple to manage and easy to set up and use. With these systems, users should be able at a minimum to access their mail server settings--such as autoreply messages for use during vacation--and perhaps even to read new mail using a Web browser. These features should be easily configurable, involving the shortest possible learning curve, while seamlessly integrating with your existing network environment.

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In Network Computing's Real-World Labs® at the University of Wisconsin, we tested seven mail servers for Microsoft Corp. Windows NT and Novell NetWare platforms. Our evaluation focused on price, configuration, management and ease of use. We also considered Web-based user and administrative configuration and effective integrated management solutions. Four server environments were supported--Microsoft Windows NT, Novell NetWare, Apple Computer Rhapsody-Mac OS and Linux--and we tested each product on its individual platform. For example, Novell's Netscape Messaging Server 3 for NetWare works with NDS, while Ipswitch's Imail Server 4.0 for Windows NT interoperates with NT Domains or user databases.

From our tests, we learned that delivering a cost-effective yet highly flexible messaging system to your workgroup has never been easier. Many vendors now offer open standards-based solutions, and virtually all are reasonably priced (some as low as $5 per user). The majority of these products are more-than-adequate mail server solutions.

We've awarded our Editor's Choice to ISOCOR's N-PLEX Enterprise 2.1 for Windows NT, for its useful resources and features. Installing N-PLEX Enterprise was a breeze, as was using the product's HTML user interface to change server and account information. And its price of $245 for 20 users will put a smile on most network administrators' faces. Ipswitch's Imail Server 4.0 for Windows NT and Novell's Netscape Messaging Server 3 for NetWare were close runners-up. Both products are solid mail solutions at reasonable prices.

ISOCOR N-PLEX Enterprise 2.1 for Windows NT

Right from the start, we loved N-PLEX Enterprise. Its effortless installation and setup was second-to-none. And its Personal Account Manager (PAM) Java applet and mailing list creation and automation features helped make it our top choice. In addition, N-PLEX Enterprise's management program, ISOCOR Management Center, displays all relevant server information for easy access and modification. User accounts and server parameters are easy to browse using the Explorer-like interface. Designed and packaged as a workgroup solution, N-PLEX Enterprise is perfect for installations with a small number of users.