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Specifics by MLM

I am adding new entries in the following format, with introductions as appropriate. Older entries will be edited into the new format as I find time. If you feel this format can be improved please let me know :-).

The idea here, suggested nearly a year ago by Michelle Dick, is eventually to put together a Consumer Reports-style comparison list of MLM features and capabilities. This is still a long way off.

Background/history
Who developed the software, when, and under what circumstances? The aim here is to shed some light on why the software is what it is, today.
Subscriber-level mailing list features
Joining and leaving a list, scanning the list membership, posting messages, choosing which to receive and in what format, and getting information about the server and how to use it. Is all of the above "user-friendly"?
Administrator-level mailing list features
Controlling various aspects of how a list runs, and how subscribers and potential subscribers interact with it. To what degree can various features be restricted to certain groups of people? What level of reporting does the server provide to administrators, and can it be tuned according to how much information the adminstrators want? How much administration can be done by e-mail, and how much requires other access to the system?
File-server features
Storing and retrieving files, usually by e-mail. What formats does the server accept, and which can it send? What sorts of access control does it provide? Are there facilities for moderating the load on the server?
Features for sysops
What files need to be kept up to date, which need to be trimmed regularly, etc.? How well does it run when ignored? How does the server log its activity? Will it tell you when it runs into trouble?
Non-mail interfaces
Does the server provide Web, Gopher, ftp, or other access to its features and message archives? How consistent is the implementation of these features with the server's e-mail features?
Security
What sorts of authentication does the server use for commands? What security problems has the software had in this version and in previous versions? What privileges does the server run with? Are there provisions for reducing abuse of the server's subscriber lists and other resources, i.e. "spam" and "pig" control?
Unique or special-purpose features, and customizing
Any features that don't fit elsewhere, fit here. Does the server provide hooks for customizing its capabilities and messages, and for adding new capabilities?
Performance considerations with big lists and active servers
Does the server bog down or crash when hit with a big load? What are the biggest sites and lists it currently runs? What problems are you likely to run into if you use this software for a big job?
System requirements
Which operating system, tools, and interpreters or compilers do you need to use this? How solid a network link? Do you need system-administrator privileges on your system, or can you be a regular user? Which e-mail addresses and network ports does this software occupy?
Cost and licensing
How much does the software cost? How about support? Are you allowed to change the software? Are you allowed to distribute your changes?
Where/how to get more information
Mailing lists, Gopher and ftp sites, Web pages, and books relating to this software.
Where/how to get the software
ftp sites, sales-department e-mail addresses, or both.
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