Server mail rules are applied to messages after they have been deposited in the server's mail.box, but before they are routed to their next destination. Mail rules consist of two parts. The first part is a set of conditions under which the rule will be applied. Conditions are a series of tests performed against various attributes of the mail message that can be chained together to form complex criteria. The following are the message attributes that can be checked by server mail rules:

• Sender
• Importance
• CC
• Body or subject
• All documents
• Form
• Subject
• Delivery priority
• BCC
• Internet domain
• Any attachment name
• Recipient count
• Body
• To
• To or CC
• Size (in bytes)
• Number of attachments
• Any recipient

The second part of a mail rule is the action to take when a condition has been met. Available actions are:

• Journal this message
• Move to database
• Don't accept message
• Don't deliver message
• Change routing state

Server mail rules have a vast array of applications such as helping with regulatory compliance (like HIPAA, ISO, and the new California law CA 1386), enforcing company email policies, blocking malware and fighting spam.

To create a server mail rule, open Domino Administrator, select the Configuration tab, then Messaging -> Configurations in the left pane and open the document in the right pane for the server you would like to configure. Place the document in edit mode and select the Router/SMTP tab, the Restrictions and Controls tab, followed by the Rules tab as illustrated in Figure A.

FIGURE A


Click the New Rule button to create a new rule. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Click the New Rule button to create a new rule.

Blocking malware
Most trojans and viruses today are primarily spread through email. Many companies have established policies prohibiting certain file types from being mailed. Blocking executable files from being sent or received via email can greatly reduce the number of "accidental" malware infections caused by users. Before creating rules to block any messages, be sure all your users are well informed of your acceptable mail usage policy.