10/29/2008

We have released SpamSentinel version 7.6 to the world. Version 7.6 for Domino is extremely stable with blocking rates in the 99.5% range!

What is Different in Version 7.6?
Version 7.5 used two spam checking engines. This sometimes caused a "tie" if the engines did not agree. We decided to check with RBLs to break the tie, with great success. We do not advocate using RBLs by themselves but, in combination with other checks, they do have a place. Everything else works as before. With this third check, Spam-B (which we refer to as Undecided) have also been reduced 75%. These Undecided messages should now be sent to the Lotus Notes JunkMail folder.

We don't even consider the Spam-D anymore. It is the worst of the worst and should be automatically deleted (AutoDelete setting). Our focus is on Spam-C and Spam-B. With this new approach, any spam that slips through will be in these two categories, and most likely in the Spam-B category. A Spam-B is triggered by one check only. We now refer to these messages as Undecided as they have some "spamminess" but we could not get two sources to agree.

Because we have reduced the numbers of Spam-C and Spam-B, two really good things happen:

1. The Daily Report is readable again with only 20 to 30 messages per day.
2. Using the Notes JunkMail folder for Undecided mail (Spam-B), will result in approximately 4 to 6 messages per day that need to be reviewed.


We are able to reduce the Daily Report by 75% with this version, which means instead of 120 items on each report, there will be 30! A user will see:

Version	7.5	7.6
Missed Spam	2	0
Spam-B	12	4
Spam-C	120	30
Spam-D	650	750

Figures based on a test of 784 pieces of spam in 24-hour period sent to one user (me).

Taking Advantage of the JunkMail folder
SpamSentinel 7.6 for Lotus Domino is more accurate than ever, due to a 3rd check which improves our accuracy and significantly reduces the size of the daily report. Because of these improvements, we are recommending that customers rethink the way spam is managed and use the Lotus Notes JunkMail folder for "Undecided Spam" (previously called Spam-B).

Our recommended Server Configuration settings are as follows: - Category B - Undecided should be set to "Send to Junk Mail folder"* - Category C - Confirmed Spam should be set to "Mail-In Quarantine for Reporting" - Category D - Deletion Recommended should be set to "AutoDelete"

Improvements to Non-Windows/Checking Machine Installations (AS400/Linux/Solaris)

For the first time in SpamSentinel history we are now able to auto-update non-windows installations of Lotus Domino. We have merged our Windows and Non-Windows code into a single stream allowing us to optimize product improvement. Additionally, we will be able to monitor these installations remotely using our monitoring tools and respond to events that need attention. The SpamSentinel services are now able to login to Notes automatically when the checking machine is restarted. These improvements allow us to provide a better product faster to these customers.


To learn more about the features, advantages, and benefits of this release, click here: Improvements in 7.6