Q: What should I do if I have urgent spam-filtering requirements?

A: First, evaluate if a short-term or long-term strategy is needed. For example, use a managed service provider under a short-term (less than one year) contract or a desktop product for a limited number of users until the market shakes out.

However, evaluate potential vendors critically. Similar to the antivirus market, spam detection is a content-driven business. Look at your methodologies and expertise in the anti-spam and related e-mail areas. Examine and negotiate contractual provisions carefully to incorporate provisions if your vendor is acquired, or because of deteriorating vendor performance.

Also, understand that anti-spam pricing will soften considerably during the next year. Negotiate short-term contracts and clauses, such as price increase caps for renewals if a subscription model, or maintenance and custom support if a perpetual model.

Learn more about Fighting Spam, Selecting the Right Vendor and Negotiating Agreements from Gartner experts at Midsize Enterprise Summit.

Senior IT Executives at midsize businesses may qualify to attend the event with a complimentary package that includes conference registration, travel arrangements, private hotel accommodations, meals and networking events. Click here now to qualify.

Reference
Research Note
How to Select Spam-Filtering Products and Services
Published: September 22, 2003
Authors: A. Hallawell and M. Grey, Gartner, Inc.