What is Microsoft Exchange? Article

Microsoft Exchange email is far superior to the basic email still used by some businesses.

Hosted Exchange server vs. basic email

Smaller businesses typically start with POP email - the basic, no-frills email that has been common since the 1980s.

POP email is cheap, but offers none of Exchange's advanced functionality, like calendars, task lists, file-sharing or contacts.

POP email is stored on your local PC, instead of on a central email server, so if you use different devices - like a desktop PC and a BlackBerry® - you will not see emails which came through to a different device.

Some businesses use an older product called Lotus Notes. This works more like Microsoft Exchange, but is lacking in ease-of-use and is not compatible with Microsoft Outlook.

Features of Microsoft Exchange server

Microsoft Exchange server is popular due to its user-friendliness and its advanced features, which boost productivity:

• Up-to-date: Exchange server stores everything centrally, so you always see the latest version of your email, files, calendar and contacts.
• Mobile access: Microsoft Exchange is the software that powers email for handhelds like the latest BlackBerry®, Treo, iPhone, Android or Windows Mobile devices. It also offers sophisticated Web mail, so you will always be synced with your team.
• Shared calendars: Microsoft Exchange lets employees see colleagues' availability to schedule or rearrange meetings, book conference rooms, and plan projects.
• Shared task lists: Microsoft Exchange allows 'to do' lists to be created and assigned, then shared with team members. Managers can check off items as they are completed.
• Shared contacts: Company or shared address books means your customers' contact details will never be lost or misplaced.

Microsoft Exchange server lets employees share information and work together productively, in a way that is otherwise impossible.