SSI SEEMail Server gains SSC accreditation

Press Release
Wellington, February 17, 2005

SSI SEEMail Server gains State Services Commission accreditation for secure e-mail

First open source solution to be accredited for SEEMail environment

Optimation's SSI SEEMail Server Version 2.1 is the first open source solution to be accredited by the E-government Unit of the State Services Commission as a secure Internet e-mail gateway that can be used by agencies which have adopted the SEEMail secure electronic environment standards.

As a participant in the SEEMail environment, an agency can securely exchange email and attachments with other SEEMail participants using the Internet. The environment is formed by each SEEMail agency deploying an accredited secure e-mail gateway - such as SSI SEEMail Server - that signs and encrypts sensitive messages sent between other SEEMail agencies using S/MIME (Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) techniques.

SEEMail ensures e-mail confidentiality, integrity and authentication over the Internet, between the sending and receiving gateways. Agencies can also use their gateway to set up encrypted links to private sector business partners such as banks and legal firms.

Cost-effective solution for large or small agencies

To date, Optimation's SSI SEEMail Server Version 2.1 is the only accredited open source SEEMail gateway solution. It uses open source code and runs on a low-cost Linux-based PC hardware platform. Its cost-effectiveness makes it ideal for smaller agencies, which might otherwise need a more expensive hosted solution. However, it also scales easily to meet the requirements of large organisations.

SSI SEEMail Server is designed to be quick to configure and simple to administer. Features include:

* Certificate management and processing

* Certificate Revocation List checking

* Log archiving

* SMTP mail relay in product

* Fully configurable SMTP input/output ports

* Ability to interact with individual e-mail clients

A number of Linux-based commercial and open source anti-virus and anti-spam filters can also be integrated with the gateway.

Implementing SSI SEEMail Server

Agencies with appropriate IT management skills in-house can easily implement and administer SSI SEEMail Server themselves, backed up as needed by Optimation's technical support team.

However, if an agency does not currently use open source software, or lacks internal IT resource, Optimation can also install and manage SSI SEEMail Server as a 'black box' solution. In this case, implementation, day-to-day system management, on-going maintenance and system updates are handled under a cost-effective Optimation Support Services Agreement.

Optimation (http://www.optimation.co.nz/) helps businesses harness technology to produce superior business results. We deliver consulting, development, implementation and support services across the core areas of Software Engineering, Security, Infrastructure, Billing & Customer Care and Business Capability Improvement.

Optimation was founded in New Zealand in 1992. Our customers include leading corporates and government departments such as Vodafone, IRD, Westpac, the Ministry of Social Development, New Balance, Promina Group, TelstraClear, Australia Post and Genesis Energy.

At Optimation, we pride ourselves on our independence, demonstrated by the many customers who engage us to guide their technology strategy and to objectively assess the effectiveness of their technology solutions.

****ENDS****

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