2.2 Understanding MailMarshal Components
MailMarshal consists of several software components, which you can install on different computers in your network. These components can be installed in a variety of configurations to suit any size organization from small businesses to distributed enterprises. Figure 1 shows the components on separate computers for clarity. In lower volume scenarios you can install all components on a single computer.
Figure 1: MailMarshal components
MailMarshal includes the following components:
Processing Server
Accepts incoming email subject to Connection Policy (Receiver), applies Content Analysis Policy in the form of rules (Engine), and forwards email to your email server or to the recipient (Sender). You can use one or more MailMarshal Servers in your installation.
Array Manager
Manages an array of MailMarshal email processing servers. The Array Manager connects to the email processing servers and to the database, hosted using Microsoft SQL Server or SQL Express. The Array Manager server also hosts the Configuration Service and an instance of Microsoft IIS, used by the Management Console. For more information, see “Other Software and Services”.
Management Console
Web-based interface allowing Administrator access. Administrators can define policy (rules), configure MailMarshal, and manage and monitor undelivered or filtered email.
Spam Quarantine Management Website
Optional Web-based interface for internal email users to view and manage quarantined email.
Marshal Reporting Console
Optional Web-based interface used to generate traffic and management reports based on MailMarshal activity.
To operate properly, MailMarshal requires an Array Manager (with Management Console), at least one email processing Server, and a database server (hosting the product database and configuration service database). You can optionally install the Spam Quarantine Management website and the Marshal Reporting Console if you plan to use the additional features these components offer.
2.2.2 Other Software and Services
In addition, MailMarshal may require the following software and network services:
Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Express, or Azure SQL Server
The MailMarshal database stores configuration data and log information. If your email volume permits, you can use the free SQL Express. If your email volume is higher, use Microsoft SQL Server. If possible, install the database software and the MailMarshal Array Manager on the same computer. For more information, see “Array Installation Requirements” and “Database Software Considerations”.
If your MailMarshal installation is hosted on an Azure server, you can use Azure SQL to host the database. Due to latency, you should not attempt to use Azure SQL with a locally hosted MailMarshal installation.
Microsoft Internet Information Services (Microsoft IIS)
If you want to offer the end-user Spam Quarantine Management Website, install the MailMarshal Web Components on a server with Microsoft IIS and .NET 4.0 installed.