Explanation of the Checking Machine installation type

The term 'Checking Machine' refers to the use of a SpamSentinel installation located on a Windows machine to scan mail which is received by a Domino server installed elsewhere on separate hardware.  

When SpamSentinel is installed to the same Windows operating system instance hosting the Domino server we refer to it as using a 'Standard' installation type.

Why is this needed?

The program file components of Spamsentinel for Domino are only compiled to run under Windows.  If a customer's Domino server is running under some other operating system such as Linux, IBM i, AS400, etc...  then SpamSentinel must be installed to a different machine.  This is a routine and stable installation type which has a dedicated installer version used to deploy it.

How does SpamSentinel access the Domino Server?

SpamSentinel accesses the Domino server across the local network on port 1352 as if it were any other Notes Client user.  A Notes client must be installed on the Checking Machine for SpamSentinel to use.  It is recommended that a dedicated Notes User ID is registered for this purpose.  Typically customers register the user name as 'Spam Sentinel/Organization'. 

Do the mail messages stay on the Domino server?

Yes. A Server Mail Rule is created that puts mail in a 'hold' status within the Domino server's mail.box databases.  SpamSentinel first reads those messages in place and then updates them so they get routed to a user or a Quarantine database depending on the Spam evaluation results.

What can I use for a Checking Machine?

SpamSentinel for Domino's programs can run on just about any Windows workstation operating system going back to Windows 7.  It can be run on dedicated hardware or within a Virtual Machine.  It should be on the same LAN as the Domino server for performance considerations.  We recommend that the workstation have at least 4 GB of RAM free above the minimum needs of the operating system.  For a Virtual machine we recommend allocating at least 2 VCpus. In general, a typical business-class end-user PC is more than capable enough to handle the software.

Can I run the Checking Machine as a VM on the same host as Domino?

Yes!  This is our recommended configuration when it is possible to implement because it keeps everything on 'one box'.  You can even take this a step further if desired and run the VM within a hypervisor running in the Domino server's own operating system.