15 April 2009

Microsoft has released a public beta version of Exchange Server 2010. The revamped solution forms the vanguard of Microsoft’s new unified communications family.

The new generation of Microsoft server technology has been created specifically to work on-premises and as an online service. Exchange 2010 introduces an integrated e-mail archive, as well as features designed to help reduce costs and improve the user experience.

The solution will become available in the second half of 2009, while Microsoft Office 2010 and related products will enter technical preview in the third quarter of 2009 and become available in the first half of 2010.

“Exchange 2010 ushers in the next generation of Microsoft unified communications software as the first server designed from inception to work both on-premises and as an online service,” said Rajesh Jha, corporate vice president of Exchange at Microsoft. “This release raises the bar with new archiving and end-user innovations that will help companies save money and employees save time.”

The line between home and work has blurred, and people want more choice and flexibility in how, where and when they work

Chris Capossela, Microsoft Microsoft says that the combination of Exchange and Outlook 2010 will give users more control over communications through features such as MailTips, which warns users before they commit a potential e-mail faux pas such as sending mail to large distribution groups, or to recipients who are out of the office helping protect against information leaks and reduce unnecessary e-mail. Other new features include a voice mail preview capability and an e-mail ‘mute button’ that allows people to remove themselves from an irrelevant e-mail string.

The next wave of Microsoft Office-related products – which includes 2010 versions of Office, SharePoint Server, Visio and Project – is designed to give people a consistent experience across devices, making it easier to create and edit documents and collaborate from any location.

“The line between home and work has blurred, and people want more choice and flexibility in how, where and when they work,” said Chris Capossela, senior vice president of the information worker product management group at Microsoft. “With the next wave of Microsoft Office-related products, people will be more productive across the PC, phone and browser, IT professionals can choose to deploy and manage servers on-premises or from the cloud, and developers get more opportunities to build innovative solutions and grow their business.”

A public beta of the server is available for download on the dedicated Exchange 2010 Web site.

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