Exchange 2007 Features
With Exchange, you can do more than send and receive e-mail—you can share calendars, folders, and contacts – and access everything from any mobile device. Both Exchange Server 2003 and 2007 can provide you with all your messaging needs but there are some important feature differences between the two so make sure you choose the one that is right for you.
Microsoft Hosted Exchange from 123Together.com is the e-mail solution designed to help your organization:
| √ | Access information, even when out of the office |
| √ | Get more out of an e-mail system so that you and your employees work more efficiently |
| √ | Gain the peace of mind that comes from a professionally managed service |
Built-in Protection
- Anti-spam and AntiVirus
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FeatureTypeDescription
Edge Transport server role This server role is for perimeter network deployment. It supports Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) routing, provides anti-spam filtering technologies and support for antivirus extensibility. The Edge Transport server should be isolated from the Active Directory directory services, but can still leverage Active Directory for recipient filtering by using Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM). EdgeSync in Exchange Server 2007 publishes pertinent organization information, encrypted, to the Edge Transport server for use in robust recipient filtering and respects Microsoft Outlook safe sender lists on the Edge. Communications between the Edge Transport server and the internal network in an Exchange Server 2007 organization are encrypted by default.
Edge Transport includes anti-spam technologies that protect at many layers.Anti-spam Connection Filtering Exchange Server 2007 provides an integrated, IP based block-and-allow list based on sender reputation. Lists are automatically updated as new versions become available. Administrators can establish additional IP allow-or-deny lists as needed. Anti-spam Sender and Recipient Filtering Sender reputation is dynamically analyzed and updated. When the Edge Transport server spots specific trends from a given domain, it can impose certain actions to either quarantine or reject incoming messages. Sender ID is also used to verify that each e-mail message originates from the Internet domain from which it claims to come from based on the sender's SMTP server IP address. Once a Sender ID record has been verified, the results can be cross-referenced to past traffic patterns and sender reputation, creating an associate weight into the domain reputation. Finally, recipients are validated, and administrators have the ability to block messages sent to non-existent user accounts or internal-only distribution lists Anti-spam Safe Sender List Aggregation Via EdgeSync, the Edge Transport server respects Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007 safe sender lists to help reduce false positives. Anti-spam Sender ID Exchange Server 2007 embeds support for Sender ID, an e-mail industry initiative designed to verify that each e-mail message originates from the Internet domain from which it claims to come based on the sender's SMTP server IP address. Sender ID helps prevent domain spoofing and protect legitimate senders’ domain names and reputation and helps recipients more effectively identify and filter junk e-mail and phishing scams. Anti-spam Content Filtering Content is analyzed using the Intelligent Message Filter (IMF), Exchange Server's implementation of Microsoft SmartScreen content filtering technology. SmartScreen is based on Microsoft Research's patented machine-learning technology. Anti-phishing capabilities are also built-in to the IMF to help detect fraudulent links or spoofed domains and protect users from these types of online scams. When used with Outlook 2007, a phishing warning or block appears in the user interface. Customers are protected from emerging spam attacks through the automatic filter updates for Exchange Server 2007, which are published on a frequent basis. Should the administrator require additional control, the Edge Transport server enables customization, including the ability to add words or phrases to the filter. Anti-spam Outlook E-Mail Postmark Exchange 2007 verifies Outlook E-mail Postmarks attached to messages sent from Outlook 2007. The Outlook E-mail Postmark can reduce false positives for messages from legitimate senders that have little to no reputation. Anti-spam Spam Assessment In addition to scanning message content, the IMF consolidates guidance from Connection, Sender/Recipient, Sender Reputation, Sender ID verification, and Outlook E-mail Postmark validation to apply a Spam Confidence Level (SCL) rating to a given message. Administrators can preconfigure actions on the message based on this SCL rating. Actions may include deliver to the inbox or junk mail folder, deliver to the spam quarantine, or reject outright and no deliver. Anti-spam Service Resilience The Edge Transport server role controls the inbound SMTP message receipt rate for increased availability. This control, coupled with the ability to detect open proxy machines, can aid in preventing denial of service attacks. Tar pitting is supported to slow the server response for certain SMTP communication patterns, minimizing exposure to directory harvest attacks. Anti-spam Anti-spam Stamp Messages filtered by the Edge Transport server role are stamped with information, including why the message was considered spam and which combination of filters and reputation services (IP, domain, sender, recipient, content) determined its spam assessment. Administrators may use this information in an aggregate way to understand the effectiveness of filtering across their multilayered approach and tune appropriately. Anti-spam Two-Tiered Spam Quarantine The Exchange Server 2007 environment enables two-tiered spam quarantine. First, administrators have access to a Spam Quarantine housed in the perimeter network. Using Outlook, administrators can access the Spam Quarantine to search for messages, release to the recipient, or reject and delete. Messages with borderline SCL ratings (borderline definition configured by the administrator) may be released to the end user's junk mail folder in Outlook, and are converted to plain text for further protection. Anti-spam Consolidated Management Management of the Edge Transport Server role and corresponding rules is consistent with the rest of the Exchange environment and can be performed using the Exchange Management Console graphical interface or the Exchange Management Shell for automation. Finally, the administrator can leverage notifications through Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) or reports within Exchange to analyze the effectiveness of their anti-spam filters. Antivirus Extensibility Attachment Filtering To effectively protect against worms delivered via e-mail, the administrator can strip attachments based on their size, content or file type. Zip file manifests can be examined as well for offending file types. Antivirus Extensibility Edge Protocol Rules As a reactive defense mechanism, protocol rules provide a layer of protection before antivirus signature updates become available. Administrators can filter on known text patterns in malware carriers and drop the connection. Antivirus Extensibility Antivirus Stamp Messages scanned in the Exchange environment can be assigned an antivirus stamp. This stamp identifies which engine did the scanning, which signature was used, and when the message was last scanned. Antivirus Extensibility Deep Integration for Antivirus Scanning Antivirus solutions can be more tightly integrated in the Exchange Server 2007 environment. Antivirus solutions have access to the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) parsers and can scan the message stream in transport (on Edge Transport or Hub Transport servers). Catching viruses in transport helps prevent their delivery and storage in Exchange mailboxes. Hosted Filtering Integration Exchange Server 2007 provides integration with Exchange Hosted Services, offering off-site protection against spam and viruses. - Confidential Messaging
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FeatureTypeDescription
Intra-Org Encryption All mail traveling within an Exchange Server 2007 organization is encrypted by default. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is used for server-to-server traffic, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is used for Outlook connections, and Secure Socket Layers (SSL) is used for Client Access traffic (Outlook Web Access, Exchange ActiveSync, and Web Services). This prevents spoofing and provides confidentiality messages in transit.
SSL Certificates Automatically Installed SSL certificates are installed by default in Exchange Server 2007, enabling broad use of SSL and TLS encryption from clients such as Outlook Web Access and other SMTP servers. Opportunistic TLS Encryption If the destination SMTP server supports TLS (via the “STARTTLS” SMTP command) when sending outbound e-mail from Exchange Server 2007, Exchange Server will automatically encrypt the outbound content using TLS. In addition, inbound e-mail sent to Exchange Server 2007 from the internet will be encrypted if the sending server supports TLS (Exchange Server 2007 automatically installs SSL certificates). - Compliance
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FeatureTypeDescription
Transport Rules Exchange Server 2007 includes a policy engine based on rules that execute on Hub Transport servers. With Transport Rules, administrators and compliance officers can establish and enforce regulatory or corporate policies on internal or outbound e-mail, voice mail, or fax. For example, using a wizard in the Exchange Management Console or the command line in Exchange Management Shell, rules can be written that would prohibit communication between members of distinct distribution lists, require encrypted delivery of any message containing confidential information identified through text pattern matching, append a disclaimer to any message being sent externally, or BCC the compliance officer anytime a specific phrase appears in the subject or content of a message.
Messaging Records Management Various corporate retention policies exist for e-mail, voice mail, and fax communications. With Managed Folders, a user can organize messages into Outlook folders that are provisioned and managed by the administrator. An automated process scans the inbox and these folders to retain, expire, or journal communications based on compliance requirements. Flexible Journaling Journaling is flexible in Exchange Server 2007. Journaling can be triggered per database, per distribution list, or per user. All messages can be journaled, or just those sent internally or externally. Transport rules may also dictate when to journal based on message sender, recipient, or content. Multi-Mailbox Search Using the Microsoft standard search technology, content in Exchange Server 2007 mailboxes is fully indexed and searchable using a variety of criteria. If compliance or legal requirements require information discovery, administrators can search across multiple mailboxes within an organization with a single query, routing the results to a Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services site or mailbox that can be made available via Outlook to HR, compliance officers, or others. Archive Integration Journaled messages can be archived to any SMTP address, including an Exchange mailbox or Windows SharePoint Services site. - Business Continuity
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FeatureTypeDescription
Local Continuous Replication Availability can be increased using continuous replication of data across multiple disks on a single server. This establishes a second copy of the production database on the local server that is kept up-to-date automatically. In the event of a disk failure or data corruption, switching over to the copy database provides a less costly and less complex recovery solution for the administrator.
Cluster Continuous Replication Availability can be increased using replication in an active/passive cluster. Data recorded on the active server node is copied to the passive server node, enabling a copy of not only server configuration and settings but data as well. By not requiring shared storage, the active node and passive node can be located in separate geographical hocations without the performance impact of synchronous replication solutions. Automated failover to the passive server node is transparent to the end user, dramatically reducing the risk of data loss by relying on logs and queues and providing a less costly and less complex recovery solution for the administrator. Fast and Fewer Backups Backups can be run against the copy of the production database on either the local server or passive server node, decreasing the performance impact on production. Continuous Replication also reduces the frequency of costly, full disk or tape backups currently used for disaster recovery. Database Portability In the case of a complete server failure, an empty dial tone mailbox database can be created on a new server, enabling users to send and receive e-mail while recovery is underway. A backup of the mailbox database can then be recovered into the dial tone database even though the original database in the backup was created on a different server. -
Operational Efficiency
Exchange Server 2007 helps IT professionals administer, automate, and deploy more efficiently. See what features are included with Exchange Server 2007 for operational efficiency in the table below. Anywhere Access
Exchange Server 2007 offers features that allow you and your employees anywhere access to e-mail, calendaring, and more. See what features are included with Exchange Server 2007 for anywhere access in the table below.- Calendaring
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FeatureTypeDescription
Calendar Attendant The Calendar Attendant reduces scheduling conflicts by limiting calendar items (request, declines, accepts) in the inbox to the latest version. The Calendar Attendant also marks meeting requests as tentative on recipient calendars until users can act on the request and relies on the Exchange Server 2007 free/busy Web service for always up-to-date availability information.
Resource Booking Attendant The Resource Booking Attendant enables resources, including meeting rooms or other equipment, to be automatically managed. Resources can auto-accept requests when available or decline and provide details explaining the decline. Administrators can set granular policies on resources, including available hours or scheduling permissions. Scheduling Assistant The Scheduling Assistant helps users efficiently schedule meetings by providing visual guidance on the best and worst dates and times to meet based on meeting invitees and required resources. Schedulable Out of Office Out of Office (OOF) messages can now be scheduled to begin and end on specific dates and times, reducing the likelihood of a user’s out of OOF not being set. A separate out of office message can be sent to external recipients, a capability the administrator can enable or disable. Out of Office messages can also be set or unset from a mobile device. - Mobile Messaging
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FeatureTypeDescription
Search Information can be quickly found from a mobile device using the search capability of Exchange ActiveSync. When executing a search from a mobile device, both the local device store and the user’s entire Exchange mailbox are queried. Results found through the over-the-air search of the Exchange mailbox can be rapidly retrieved to the device. This capability enables access to information sent or received days, weeks, or even months before, regardless of the storage limitations of the mobile device.
Direct Push Mobile devices incorporating Exchange ActiveSync maintain a secure connection with Exchange Server 2007, receiving new or updated e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks as soon as they arrive on the server. This push method optimizes bandwidth usage while keeping users up-to-date. Rich Experience on a Breadth of Devices Users can get a familiar experience on a range of mobile devices without requiring the organization to deploy expensive third-party software or services. The Exchange Server 2007 ActiveSync protocol is licensed for use by Windows Mobile, Nokia, Symbian, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Palm, and DataViz. Given the breadth of partners, device choice continues to expand. Device Security and Management Administrators may choose to enforce policies on devices used in their organizations including requiring PINs of varying length and strength and enforcing a device wipe of data and applications, should the device be lost or stolen. These controls become granular with Exchange Server 2007, allowing per-user policies. Device usage can be tracked and managed centrally within the Exchange Server environment. LinkAccess When a user receives a link to a Windows SharePoint Services site or file share while using a mobile device, Exchange Server 2007 uses LinkAccess to retrieve and display the document, no VPN or tunnel required. Calendaring and Out of Office With Exchange Server 2007, users have many new options when accessing their calendar from a mobile device using Exchange ActiveSync. They can reply to a meeting invitation with a message, forward the invitation to another person, and view acceptance tracking for meeting attendees. Out of Office messages can also be set from the mobile device. - Web-based Messaging
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FeatureTypeDescription
Outlook 2007 Experience Outlook Web Access, an AJAX application since its first release with Exchange Server 5.5, provides a rich, Outlook like experience in a browser. New features in Outlook Web Access 2007 enable users to:
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Schedule Out of Office messages and send to internal and/or external recipients
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Use the Scheduling Assistant to efficiently book meetings
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Access SharePoint documents without a VPN or tunnel using LinkAccess
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Use WebReady Document Viewing to read attachments in HTML even if the application that created the document is not installed locally
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Access RSS subscriptions
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View content in Managed E-mail Folders
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Retrieve voice mail or fax messages through Unified Messaging integration
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Search the Global Address List
Access Security Outlook Web Access 2007 security is improved. Two-factor authentication is supported, and administrators can enforce HTML-only document viewing to avoid information being left behind on public kiosks. Self-Service Support The Outlook Web Access 2007 Options menu allows users to quickly and easily resolve many of the most common sources of helpdesk calls on their own. OWA users can request a Unified Messaging voice mail PIN reset, issue a remote wipe request to their mobile device should it be lost of stolen, and add senders to their safe or block list all within Outlook Web Access. Outlook Web Access Light Outlook Web Access Light provides a rich Outlook Web Access experience over slow connections and enables many of the new features in Outlook Web Access 2007, including schedulable Out of Office messages (internal and external), Really Simple Syndication (RSS) subscriptions, and Managed E-Mail Folder access. Search Exchange Server 2007 mailboxes are fully indexed by default, allowing users to quickly search for information from Outlook Web Access. Re-indexing is significantly faster than Exchange Server 2003, and search spans both content within the e-mail itself and data contained in attachments. Remote Document Access LinkAccess When a user receives a link to a Windows SharePoint Services site or file share while working remotely using Outlook Web Access, Exchange Server 2007 uses LinkAccess to retrieve and display the document, no virtual private network (VPN) or tunnel required. Remote Document Access WebReady Document Viewing Outlook Web Access 2007 can transcode a variety of document types – including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and PDF files – from their native format into HTML so that they can be viewed in a client browser even if the application that created the document is not installed on the client. This allows users to be productive from almost any machine and keeps viewed documents safe, even on kiosk machines, since HTML documents are purged by Outlook Web Access at logoff or session timeout. - Unified Messaging
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FeatureTypeDescription
Voice Messaging System Voice mail can now be stored in the mailbox and accessed from a unified inbox in Outlook, Outlook Web Access, on a mobile device, or from a standard telephone. This unification improves employee productivity by simplifying access to the most common types of communications. It also dramatically reduces cost by removing the need for a standalone voice mail system and by taking advantage of any existing investments in Active Directory. Exchange Server 2007 Unified Messaging can be connected with a legacy private branch exchange (PBX) infrastructure through an IP gateway, or can be directly connected with certain IP PBX installations. Fax Messaging System Faxes can now be stored in the mailbox and accessed from the user’s unified inbox in Outlook, Outlook Web Access, or their mobile device. Unified Messaging centralizes the management of inbound fax services within the Exchange infrastructure. Speech-Enabled Automated Attendant The Attendant answers calls using an automated operator, with customizable menus (e.g. “press 1 for sales”), and global address list directory lookups (e.g. “who would you like to contact?”). Callers can interact with the Automated Attendant through touch tone menus or their voice using speech recognition. Self-Service Voice Mail Support Using Outlook Web Access, users can request a reset of their voice mail PIN, set their voice mail greeting, record their out-of-office voice message, and specify mailbox folders to access when calling in by phone to hear e-mail messages through text-to-speech translation. Outlook Voice Access Users can access their Exchange mailbox using a standard telephone, available anywhere. Through touch tone or speech-enabled menus, they can hear and act on their calendar, listen to e-mail messages (translated from text to speech), listen to voice mail messages, call their contacts, or call users listed in the directory. Play on Phone Exchange Unified Messaging allows users to playback voice messages received in their Exchange inbox on a designated phone. This feature is useful when a user is in a public place and does not want to play the voice mail over their computer speakers. Play on Phone routes the voice mail to a cell phone, desk phone, or other number specified by the user.
