Introduction

Exchange 2010, the first major release since Exchange 2007 shipped in 2006 and the seventh major release since Exchange debuted in 1996, offers improved high-availability capabilities, new archiving and compliance solutions, support for new client-side features, and increased performance. The improvements could help organizations cut deployment and maintenance costs by using less expensive hardware while reducing downtime and dependency on third-party solutions to supplement Exchange deployments. The new client features enabled by Exchange 2010, such as conversation thread tools and voice-mail text preview, could save end users time and increase their productivity. However, organizations should review the new licensing terms for possible cost increases.

High Availability Bolstered

Exchange Server 2010 offers redesigned high-availability features aimed at keeping Exchange servers running and available for client access. The new high-availability features replace nearly all of those introduced in Exchange 2007 and simplify administration, support more configurations, and reduce hardware requirements. The improvements could help organizations that use Exchange cut costs and increase uptime, but the new technologies require IT training, procedural changes, and a full migration to Exchange 2010.