What it is: A network appliance that fits into your server rack.

What's cool: In addition to spam, Barracuda's software tools fight viruses, phishing, and spoofing attacks (that's when spammers send bogus messages from what appear to be real e-mail addresses).

Drawbacks: In a recent survey of antispam products, the tech consultancy Gartner describes Barracuda's customer service as spotty, suggesting that the service's growth is outstripping its support department.

Price: $1,999, plus an annual $399 fee for software updates

www.barracudanetworks.com