Exchange Server 2010 - the most important functions at a glance

The 2010 version of Microsoft Exchange Server includes numerous improvements in Outlook Web Access, management and performance, as well as several new features that increase flexibility in accessing e-mail traffic, search, data protection, compliance, etc. Exchange 2010 is configured via PowerShell and access to mailboxes, folders and data replication is controlled via Web Services. Outlook 2010 is available as a client for Exchange Server 2010, which also enables you to use the archive function in Exchange Server 2010.

Outlook Web Access in Exchange Server 2010

Outlook Web Access - official name "Outlook Web App" - OWA - provides a variety of practical functions: these include, above all, the search folders known in Outlook for sorting e-mails and the Favorites. The views in OWA are also based on Outlook and offer several display options, for example for the calendar. Outlook 2010 can also connect to multiple Exchange accounts without the need to create a separate profile, whether they are on the same server or a different one. Each mailbox has its own "Sent Items" folder.

Organization of e-mail conversations

Outlook Web Access 2010 offers a number of practical features that help you organize e-mail conversations in a way that's similar to organizing newsgroups into threads and organizing them by topic.

• The Conversation View feature sorts all e-mail messages on a specific topic, while
• with Ignore Conversation certain e-mail conversations can be ignored.
• MailTips warns when sending emails to large mailing lists to exclude non-relevant recipients; or external recipients to increase security for important information.
• The Voice Mail Preview shows voice mails already in the Outlook preview in text form and
• with Call Answering Rules, you can set individual rules for Exchange voice mail when forwarding calls.
• In contrast, the Office Communicator (OC) function displays the presence status of colleagues and allows instant messages.
• Consistent Experience standardizes the operation of the functions for Outlook Mobile and Outlook Web Access  on the PC, mobile phone or on the Web.
• The journaling function in Exchange Server also enables compliance with legal and organizational requirements by recording specific e-mail messages.

E-mail archiving in Outlook 2010

With Exchange 2010 in Outlook 2010, e-mails are archived online on the Exchange server for the first time - this means that they can be viewed from anywhere with access to the mailbox. Administrators can also define retention policies during storage, preventing accidental deletion and making it easier not only to search for emails but also to comply with compliance rules.

Only one inbox with Unified Messaging

Unified Messaging offers only one single inbox for access to e-mails, voice mails, SMS and fax; this also simplifies the administration of all users for admins. When voicemails are delivered to the inbox, the Speech2Text function can also deliver them as e-mail - and on the smartphone in the form of a text preview.

Easier rights management

In Exchange Server 2010, users and their rights can be managed either with the Exchange Management Console, via Remote PowerShell or via Outlook Web Access. The latter provides administrators with their own administration interface and allows them to grant additional rights to individual employees using the Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). These mainly concern tasks that can be delegated, such as the administration of distribution groups or the tracking of e-mails.

Mailbox resilience and improved high availability

The Mailbox Resiliency feature in Exchange Server 2010 provides a high availability option in addition to simplified disaster recovery with the three components Local Continuous Replication, Standby Continuous Replication, and Cluster Continuous Replication. With the Database Availability Group (DAG) function, administrators can copy Exchange databases between different servers; replication is performed via transaction logs.

Microsoft Licensing System for Windows Exchange Server 2010

The Microsoft licensing model offers different variants and types of licenses for all versions and editions of Exchange Server 2010. The different regulations and requirements can quickly become confusing and often seem incomprehensible at first glance. Below you will therefore find a brief overview with explanations.

Basically, we first differentiate between:

• Server licenses
• Client access licenses

Server licenses - if not core-based - are purchased independently of the client access licenses. Only these authorize users to use the Exchange Server. The server license contains only 2 access licenses for administrators, which only include administrative rights.

Which server licenses are available for Exchange Server 2010?

There is a separate server license for each server edition of Exchange 2010 - Standard and Enterprise. With your purchase you acquire the respective right to implement the respective server software on your company server:

• Standard Edition - designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses with a maximum of 5 mailbox databases.
• Enterprise Edition - it covers with up to 100 mailbox databases also the requirements of large companies and organizations.

The server license is supplemented by the Client Access Licenses (CALs) - all differences and special features are explained below.

Client Access Licenses for Windows Exchange Server 2010

In order to use the typical Exchange 2010 features and services for one of the available server editions, users need their own license type: the Client Client Access License - CAL. The Microsoft licensing model uses CALs to define the features and scalability of the Standard and Enterprise CALs and the way they are accessed.

What is the difference between Standard and Enterprise CALs for Microsoft Exchange Server 2010?

For Windows Exchange Server 2010, as well as for other versions, the functionality of the respective edition is controlled by the CALs. They are therefore not linked to a specific Exchange edition. This means that with an Enterprise CAL you can also use an Exchange Standard Server, or with a Standard CAL you can use an Enterprise Exchange Server. The Enterprise CAL offers an add-on to a Standard CAL.

The biggest difference is - as already mentioned - mainly the scalability of the mailbox servers, but in addition to this, some functions can only be used or customized to a limited extent with the Standard, and certain Enterprise functions are disabled.

For users, the difference in access licenses between the different editions of Exchange Server 2010 allows them to take advantage of the features and services that are actually needed, depending on the needs of their organization. This is because not every working environment has been used to its full range of functions or maximum scalability. Therefore, individuals or smaller companies save money when purchasing licenses, if the Standard already meet all requirements.

What are the differences between the two Access Licenses (CALs) for Exchange Server 2010?

As mentioned above, in addition to the differences in functionality and scalability, Exchange Server CALs for the Standard and Enterprise Editions offer another choice in client access licenses: User CALs and Device CALs. The difference here is not in the rights or the functions, but in whether a person or a Windows end device is licensed. These licensing alternatives are a typical Microsoft feature that also applies to access licenses for other server license products. Please note the following:

• Neither the User CALnor the Device CAL can be transferred to another user or person after activation.
• A User CAL cannot be used as a Device CAL, and the reverse is also impossible (Device CAL is used as User CAL).
• However, it is possible to use both CAL types in parallel for accessing the Exchange Server or to combine them with each other.

The alternatives offered in the Microsoft licensing model take into account the typical scenarios in a company when accessing the server. Depending on the tasks or projects, some employees use it permanently - and even outside their company or institution; others, on the other hand, only need the server services at certain times or only rarely. The following comparison once again summarizes the typical advantages of User CAL and Device CAL.

• A User CAL is advantageous if a single employee has frequent or permanent access to the Exchange server services - and also when switching between different workstations, such as at the company workstation, at other company locations, in the home office or when travelling. For this purpose, the employee uses a variety of devices, e.g. the stationary company PC, a laptop or his smartphone.
• Device CAL offers advantages when working in a way that does not require constant access to the Exchange Server, or when different users share a single PC workstation or other end device - such as a laptop; this can be the case for shift work, individual projects, or when the typical Exchange services only need to be used irregularly.

In many companies, the need to access the Exchange Server via CAL varies from department to department or depending on the jobs. In this case, a combination of client access licenses for users and for endpoints is the most appropriate licensing method. Therefore, before purchasing CALs, it is advantageous to get an overview of which types you need and in what quantity - in relation to the typical company work processes and workloads.

We will be happy to work with you to determine the most practical and at the same time most economically advantageous licensing option for you. Simply use one of the contact options listed below.

Further requirements for using Exchange Server 2010 with CALs

To be able to use all functions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, you should make sure that your server is equipped with the correct software that is suitable for this purpose. The Exchange Version 2010 only runs on servers with Windows Server 2008 or higher. Here you can choose between the editions Windows Server 2008 Standard and Enterprise or Datacenter.

Your licensing of Exchange Server 2010 with CALs at Wiresoft

When it comes to cost-effective licensing with server licenses and client access licenses for Windows Exchange Server 2010 as well as other Exchange versions or other Windows Server software products, Wiresoft is your trusted partner - for purchase as well as for consulting.

In our online shop you will find Device CALs and User CALs for Exchange Server as inexpensive single licenses - so you can cover or extend your needs individually and benefit from reduced end prices at the same time.

All CALs you will find in our offer for Microsoft software are exclusively original, unused Device or User CALs from the European area, which we have purchased from companies and checked beforehand for their absolute authenticity and usability.

As a Wiresoft customer you always benefit from the price advantage compared to many other providers of client access licenses - and at the same time you are always on the safe side of the law. Many customers already use all advantages of the CAL offer at Wiresoft. This also includes our professional, competent advice, whether it's about Exchange Server licenses or other access licenses for Windows software. Together with you we create your tailor-made software license bundle.