Configuring Email Settings for Application Server

The Application Server sends email alerts when it encounters Java exception errors discussed in Java Exception Errors. The email alerts contain the same information as the log file and frequently more details that might be useful to LexisNexis InterAction Technical Support.

You can configure the email server, recipient, and sender information for these messages. To do so, set the SMTP options in the InterAction.cfg file.

Setting	Description
UseDefaultSMTPConfiguration	Determines whether the SMTP messages should be sent using the settings in the InterAction.cfg file, or the settings configured in the Messaging tab in InterAction Administrator. False (default setting) = Use SMTP settings in InterAction.cfg True = Use SMTP settings in the Messaging tab in InterAction Administrator
SMTPDomain	Domain name to be used in email messages (that is, the portion of the email address that appears after the “at” symbol (@)). For example: SMTPDomain = crawfordiverson.com
SMTPHost	The name of your email server used for sending email messages. You can use the SMTPDomain value as a variable within this item, like this: SMTPHost = mail.$(SMTPDomain) If SMTPDomain is set to crawfordiverson.com, then the above statement sets SMTPHost to mail.crawfordiverson.com.
SMTPDefaultFrom	The email address from which email alerts are sent. Your mail server determines whether you must use an existing email address for this setting.
SMTPSendAlertsTo	The email recipient for any administrative alerts. Consider setting this to an email group, not to the email address for an individual.

Recommendations for SMTP Settings

When specifying the recipients for alerts, consider using an email group rather than an individual’s email address. The email group should include all Application Server administrative users responsible for monitoring Application Server. It should also include the email address for a dedicated email account that can receive these messages. For example, you might create an email “user” account called “Application Server Messages.” Grant the Application Server administrators access to open the inbox for this account.

This setup serves two purposes:

• This makes maintenance much easier, especially if one of the administrators leaves your organization. You can update the group easily, without changing the InterAction.cfg file. You can also send the alerts to multiple administrative users.
• Since alerts are sent to the dedicated email account as well as the individuals, the messages are archived for future reference. If the individual recipients leave the organization, messages are still sent to a valid address.

For example, the firm Crawford & Iverson would set up SMTP settings as follows:

• The SMTPSendAlertsTo variable is set to the email group [e-mail].
• The email group includes the following users:
  • Jerry Robertson, the Application Server administrator.
  • Donna Rogers, the backup Application Server administrator.
  • A dedicated email account called Application Server Messages. Both Jerry and Donna have access to read the messages sent to this account.

Refer to the email system documentation for details about creating groups and email accounts.