Secure email – with or without plug-ins?

In the dynamic world of secure email, organizations are faced with the challenge of choosing the most effective solutions. A much-discussed topic is the use of plug-ins for Outlook. In this blog, we take a closer look at the pros and cons of this setup, so you can decide whether to choose secure email with or without plug-ins.

In their search for secure email solutions, many organizations fall for the apparent convenience of plug-ins, small software modules that add extra functionality to programs such as Outlook. But behind this convenience lie some hidden costs. An important aspect is the extra management involved in implementing these plug-ins on employees’ workstations. The indirect costs arise because organizations have to invest time and resources in setting up, configuring, and maintaining these plug-ins. Management can range from varying technical configurations to resolving compatibility issues. A notable disadvantage is that these solutions often do not work optimally on mobile phones and cause problems when used in combination with cloud workstations.

Compatibility issues and mobile limitations

Another important point is the compatibility of plug-ins with existing software. In environments where other plug-ins are already used in Outlook, conflicts can quickly arise, which can lead to reduced performance or even complete malfunction of the plug-ins. Users regularly report problems when using these solutions in conjunction with Citrix environments. If your organization is considering switching to plug-in-based solutions, opt to carry out a Proof-of-Concept (POC) in your own work environment. A POC will provide a clear picture of potential problems, compatibility issues, and the overall impact on daily operational workflow.

The alternative to secure email with plug-ins

An alternative approach to secure email is to choose a solution that connects directly to the Exchange server or another email server. This means that everything on the employee’s workstation remains the same. This approach eliminates the need for additional management, updates, and configurations on individual workstations. However, with this route, it is essential to centralize information security.

Choose what suits you best

Are you going for secure email with or without a plug-in? Ultimately, it’s about making a well-considered decision that fits the specific needs and infrastructure of your organization. Both setups have their advantages and considerations. It’s up to the organization to find the right balance between ease of use, security, and compatibility.

Would you like to know which solution is best suited to your organization? Make an appointment with our experts.