Exchange 2010; a Better Solution

January 31, 2010

Exchange 2010 is likely the biggest improvement seen in Exchange Server’s existance. For the last 2 releases we have seen the complexities increase, as well the overhead. Exchange 2010 is a vast improvement in that area.

The immediate impact of Exchange2010 will be for those who support it, and for those who use OWA.  OWA is probably the biggest change above the covers right now that users will see. The name has officially changed to Outlook Web App, and my guess is to emphasize some of the changes involved. Some of the biggest changes, is being able to group messages into conversations, and a very Outlook like way of opening Shared  Calendars in OWA and sharing your Calendar even to those outside your organization, and last but not least multiple browser support. You see the same things whether your using Firefox or Internet Explorer (Safari is still forced to OWA light).

The appearance has changed, but in my opinion the subtle look of the new OWA really uncomplicates it. For the first time I think OWA is finally viable for primary use. This was absolutely needed, especially with many hosted providers now offering an OWA only account. Most of the client side changes, won’t be seen until the release of Outlook 2010. But, there is empasis of closing the gap between all messaging formats and Outlook, so in Outlook we are supposed to see conversations grouped with all messages, and not only emails.

Microsoft has really slammed the door on Googles Web Apps, in terms of functionality, and reliable performance. Having used both, there is really no comparison.

We now offer Exchange 2010 on a hosted platform, along with hosted Sharepoint and Microsoft Dynamics. If you have interest in any of these fantastic services just give us a call or send us an email.

Is the Apple iPad Really for Business?

January 29, 2010

Apple has once again taken center stage to announce a new cool product. First was the iPod, then the iPhone, and now the iPad. Is it worth the hype?

Maybe, I guess we will have to wait and see. It certainly has Apple written all over it, with its sleek appearance and design, there is no doubt, Apple wins the cool stuff category. But, these days Apple intends on aiming itself at the business user, it’s a real question whether they will do that with the iPad. On the surface, it looks good for now, with including their Office compatible iWork Suite, as well as including VGA output capability.

What the iPad needs to be easily used in business, is printing, and file sharing capability. There are some in the know that say that is a very real possibility.

Again, we will have to see. The iPhone was questioned as well, especially on it’s initial release, but when iPhone added Exchange support they took off in the business sector.

My guess is they will do whatever it takes to make things happen for the iPad, in my opinion another home run for Apple.