What is Exchange Server?

What Exchange Server Does

Microsoft Exchange is a centralized email and messaging system that stores email, address book contacts and calendar appointments. Users with an account on the Exchange Server can access these features using a supported desktop client such as Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Entourage, using a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, or with a mobile device such as the iPhone3G, Blackberry or Windows Mobile smart phones. Exchange is part of a class of software called Groupware.

Exchange Server Benefits

Microsoft Exchange increases productivity by making communication easier within an organization. Not only do users have easy access to their own messages and contacts wherever they are, they can also collaborate effectively using calendar sharing features. Shared calendars allow other users in the company to check colleagues’ calendars to find available meeting times. Additionally, the global address book allows managers to make important company contacts such as HR and payroll available to all employees.

Power of Hosted Exchange

While the benefits of Exchange services are numerous, it is also a highly complex system that requires dedicated server computers and trained systems administrators even for smaller companies. These costs have, until recently, made Exchange cost-prohibitive for many organizations. Hosted Exchange service from Exchange3G allows companies large and small to have all of the capabilities of full Exchange installation for a low monthly cost for each employee. With no contracts and no minimums, you pay for only the number of accounts you need each month.