We built E-mailSecure as a Web site, MySQL database, and a set of background PHP scripts that let customers send e-mail messages using either a Web browser or an e-mail client program. We chose PHP not only because it had been created for the Web development, and it can be easily integrated into the HTML code, but also due to its ability to work both as an CGI application and a server module, which allows for saving server resources.

E-mailSecure lets customers track and control their e-mail messages sent through the company's secure server. The messages are encrypted with the powerful Blowfish algorithm and stored on the server for recipients to view them. When a recipient opens a message, E-mailSecure decrypts it, and then enforces the usage permissions set by the sender. At the same time, the system tracks and logs the usage data for the message. All messages are digitally signed and sequentially numbered providing further proof of when they were sent. In order to inform the sender exactly where and when their e-mail message was opened, we used proprietary e-mail tracking technology.

One of the problems we faced was notifying a customer when their e-mail has been read by the recipient. E-mail notification was easy to implement, but notification via ICQ required external software, so we employed Licq (www.licq.org) as it was the only program whose interface made it possible to use it from another application.

• PHP

• MySQL

• PGP

• Licq

E-mailSecure is an innovative e-mail security system that offers reliable protection for those sending private or confidential information. It allows senders to track, control, and even edit email messages after they have been sent. Moreover, senders can revoke recipient access to their email at anytime. Messages can be password protected and prevented from unauthorized viewing, copying, printing, and forwarding. Using timestamps, PGP, and digital certificates, E-mailSecure creates encrypted certificates proving that e-mail messages were sent and opened. Senders can set a specific period of time before messages expire. Finally, E-mailSecure can notify senders via e-mail or ICQ when their messages have been read by the recipients.

"They are a great, honest company of dependable, super smart hard workers," said Anthony Ellis, CEO of File Secure, Inc. "They want to know everything they can before they begin any project. Their preliminary specifications are very detailed, so they can give you a more precise cost and time estimate. They are self monitoring and very thorough. Unlike with other programming teams, I don't have to constantly check and make sure they are actually working. They provide me with a liason who monitors work on my projects and knows what is going on at all times. He makes sure it gets done and gets done the way I want it. If there are any problems or questions, they contact me immediately. E-mailSecure was my first large project with them, they did so well that I now have them do all my necessary programming work. They are a highly recommend, highly competent group of programmers and consultants."