Three years after its previous incarnation, Windows Exchange 2003, the vendor`s messaging server, was released to manufacturing today. It should be available to licensed enterprise customers by the end of the SA winter, costing the same as Exchange 2000, says Microsoft.
The company also plans to announce a per-user licensing option for Exchange 2003, similar to Windows Server 2003, spokespersons say.
Desmond Nair, server product manager at Microsoft South Africa, says Exchange 2003 is the most reliable and secure version of Exchange to date. "Because of its improvements in productivity, manageability and security, customers are receiving a significant increase in value."
You spoke, Microsoft listened
Microsoft says it listened to its customers` requirements for more value and less complexity. "When an IT administrator deploys Exchange 2003 out of the box, it 'just has to work`. Information workers need access to their inboxes from anywhere and everywhere," the company says.
To this end, the vendor says deployment and management will be easier with 2003. No extra IT admin training is needed to implement the software. Additionally, in combination with Outlook 2003, Exchange 2003 "will provide easier e-mail and calendar management, significantly faster synchronisation and easier Internet access". A redesigned Outlook Web Access adds new features and provides access to Exchange through most browsers. With built-in wireless support, Exchange 2003 enables access via personal digital assistants and cellphones.
The vendor also claims enhanced security, availability and reliability. "Exchange 2003 helps lower total cost of ownership through server and site consolidation, eight-node clustering, and better data backup and restore methods.
Licensing low-down
Microsoft has expanded Exchange licensing options, recognising that employees access corporate networks using many devices. It now offers a per-user client access licence (CAL) which allows a single user unlimited access to Exchange from multiple devices. For companies with kiosks, shared PC environments or deskless workers, it continues to offer a per-device CAL option, allowing an unlimited number of users to access their mailboxes from a single device.
The following licences are available with Exchange 2003: Exchange Server 2003 Server Licence (giving the holder rights to install and use the server software), Exchange Server 2003 User Client Access Licence (allowing an individual to access it from multiple devices), Exchange Server 2003 Device CAL (allowing an unlimited number of people to access it from a single device) and Exchange Server 2003 External Connector Licence (allowing access by an unlimited number of non-employees).
According to Ferris Research, Microsoft leads the e-mail market in terms of head count, with nearly 338 million seats, while Lotus is in second place with about 283 million Notes users.
However, Lotus remained on top in terms of revenue for 2002, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). Microsoft quotes the same research in claiming its lead, saying that according to IDC, Exchange leads the integrated collaborative environment market with 12.2% revenue growth worldwide over the previous year.
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