Proofpoint, Inc., the leader in large enterprise anti-spam solutions, today unveiled its User Self-Service Module, which enables the Proofpoint Protection Server to offer per-user spam controls without the need for any end-user desktop software. The User Self- Service Module will provide users with the ability to view and manage suspect spam messages and control their individual preferences. Proofpoint is also announcing a Microsoft-specific User Self-Service Module that leverages new capabilities of Exchange 2003.

“With spam making up over 70% of inbound email today, it is imperative for large enterprises to deploy perimeter protection that blocks these attacks before they consume bandwidth, storage, and capacity of the corporate messaging infrastructure,” stated Eric Hahn, chairman and founder of Proofpoint, Inc. “Proofpoint’s unmatched MLX anti-spam and content compliance technology, combined with its enterprise-grade management features, provides the most comprehensive messaging defense. Today we are extending that defense to meet each end-user’s personal messaging needs.”

End user requirements include the ability to view suspect messages and personalize the actions of the anti-spam infrastructure. Proofpoint is leveraging new anti-spam functionality in Exchange 2003 and Outlook 2003, including the Spam Confidence Level filter, server-exposed Outlook Junk E-mail Lists, and the recently announced Intelligent Message Filter, to provide a user-friendly bridge between end user self-service needs and powerful perimeter messaging protection. The Proofpoint User Self-Service Module, along with the Microsoft Exchange 2003 anti-spam infrastructure, allows each user to customize the behavior of their messaging protection infrastructure without resorting to cumbersome 3rd-party plug-in software.

Proofpoint User Self-Service Module—User Self-Service for all major
email platforms

The User Self-Service Module enables organizations to employ the most sophisticated, scalable enterprise messaging protection solution at the perimeter of their network while still providing end-users with visibility on suspected spam messages and fine-grained control over anti-spam policies.

Proofpoint is introducing two Self Service Module editions:

1. The SMTP Edition provides End-User Quarantine Digests and End User
White List/Black List controls through email and web interfaces to
provide full per user control without the installation and support
problems associated with desktop software or plug-ins. This edition
is compatible with all major messaging environments, including
Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes/Domino, and Sun Java System
Messaging Server (formerly SunONE).
2. The Exchange 2003 Edition can be used in addition to the SMTP
Edition for organizations that have migrated to Microsoft Exchange
2003. This module provides automatic filing of suspect mail into a
per-user “Junk Folder” through seamless integration using Proofpoint
MLX technology and Microsoft’s SCL (Spam Confidence Level)
filter. Furthermore, management of end-user Safe Senders and Block
Senders Lists occurs at the gateway. These Lists are managed in
Outlook 2003, and accessed by PPS through Exchange 2003.

Key components of the Proofpoint User Self-Service Module are available immediately with Proofpoint Protection Server 1.5.1 and additional capabilities will be available in early 2004.

Comprehensive Enterprise Messaging Protection

The User Self-Service Module is the latest component of Proofpoint’s platform for comprehensive enterprise messaging protection. Proofpoint enables organizations to enforce communication flows according to their corporate policies, thereby minimizing risk and costly liability. Proofpoint leverages its position at the organization’s perimeter to provide comprehensive defense enabling spam detection, virus protection and content compliance against all types of message-borne threats, from large-scale spam dictionary attacks to leaked financial disclosures.

MLX – The Industry’s most Advanced Machine Learning Technology

Proofpoint’s enterprise messaging protection is based on its MLX technology, which utilizes advanced Machine Learning techniques for categorizing and classifying content. Core to MLX are its Machine Learning classification algorithms, which include Logistical Regression and Support Vector Machines. These techniques make Proofpoint’s MLX technology the most advanced spam detection implementation in the industry. Using its unique predictive power, MLX is able to detect higher levels of spam at minimal false positives than any other technology. With weekly updates to the engine, MLX maintains its high effectiveness over time, ensuring that organizations stay ahead of spammers as their techniques evolve. MLX’s general messaging classification capability is the cornerstone of Proofpoint’s messaging compliance architecture. Through administrator-defined policies, organizations will be able to create customized compliance processes that learn appropriate behavior through observing normal organizational business information flows, enforcing messaging compliance regardless of the subject matter or regulations.