Microsoft Exchange Server is Microsoft’s messaging, email and scheduling platform used in many small, medium and large businesses worldwide. Since 2003, it has been upgraded by Microsoft every 3 to 4 years–2003, 2007, 2010, and now it’s latest release, 2013.
While a lot of the work on Exchange Server 2013 has occurred under the hood, here are a few of the new features you’ll be able to see in Exchange Server 2013.
Outlook Web App (OWA)
Outlook Web App (OWA) has been completely revamped in Exchange Server 2013. Support for browsers has been expanded beyond just Internet Explorer, and most mobile devices–iOS, Android and Windows 8–are now also supported.
Site Mailboxes
When combined with SharePoint 2013 and Outlook 2013, Exchange Server 2013 allows for Site Mailboxes, a way for teams to share and collaborate using a common inbox. Site Mailboxes support shared messaging and shared documents.
Public Folders
Public Folders have long been a troubled but popular feature of Exchange Server. In the past, Public Folders weren’t a high availability service due to their lack of integration with the Database Availability Group (DAG). In Exchange Server 2013, they have been converted into a type of mailbox which will now allow them to benefit from the protection the DAG provides.
Exchange Administrative Console
The new Exchange Administrative Console (EAC) has replaced the previous Exchange Management Console (EMC). The EAC is now a web-based interface which allows you to manage your Exchange environment remotely using most any browser.
Is Exchange Server 2013 right for your business?
Whether or not you should make the move to Exchange 2013 could prove to be a complicated decision depending on your business needs and current environment. When it comes time to make that decision, Minneapolis-based IT support company OAC Technology can help. We’ve been helping small businesses with their IT needs for over 10 years and can help keep your business’s technology running smoothly. Contact us today for a free consultation.
