Microsoft Exchange Server is a widely used email server and calendar server developed by Microsoft as a product for users of Microsoft Outlook programs. It runs exclusively on Windows Server, operating systems from Windows XP to Windows Vista. This web-based email client can connect to an external database, or it can connect to a local or on-site server via Microsoft Exchange Server. The emails sent and received by the user are synchronized in the server using Microsoft Outlook.

The Microsoft Exchange Server is the main cloud platform for Microsoft

Exchange and Microsoft SharePoint solutions. It supports the remote connection of mailboxes and enables users to manage their personal information in a way they want. Microsoft SharePoint also is known as MS collaboration allows sharing and collaborating on projects, documents, and calendars over the internet and via email. MS Exchange Server provides centralized access to shared business data over the internet or intranet and helps organizations to store and retrieve data in a safe and accessible manner.

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 is a superset of Microsoft Exchange Server and is available in two flavors, on-premise and cloud. On-premises is installed on the organization’s servers while cloud is hosted on remote servers. There are benefits of on-premises and cloud services, although they have certain limitations that are not found in the on-demand service. Microsoft Exchange Server on the other hand is useful for all types of organizations, large or small, whether they are running small-scale business or medium-scale business or any organization in between.

Microsoft Sharepoint is a content management system that aids in managing diverse business areas through a content management system, accessible to team members through a browser. This is one of the web based email applications that are supported by Outlook and can be integrated with other Microsoft Exchange Server components. Sharepoint can be hosted on a remote server or on an on-site or on-the-phone SQL server, which is also known as the SharePoint server. Hosted on-site SharePoint option is usually slower than the cloud option and can be less secure since there is no encryption of sensitive data.

Microsoft SharePoint hosting is beneficial to small businesses that do not require high security measures. This type of hosting is best for businesses that are susceptible to virus attacks and hackers. In the cloud, data security and access permissions are facilitated by identity management systems that protect users. Security of data is easier to administer when on-site Microsoft SharePoint is hosted because on-site installations are protected by various security measures. The security of the server is best assured with off-site installations but this would incur additional cost.

Microsoft Exchange Server can connect to Microsoft SharePoint and helps in managing the organization’s emails.

It also facilitates the sending and receiving of emails through Microsoft Outlook. It enables email marketing campaigns and allows users to categorize email addresses as read, saved, or deleted. It also provides support for the Microsoft social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Microsoft Exchange Server was first released for the private use in 2001 and was meant for small businesses that have an online connection. The features it offers include a centralized storage for all emails, contacts, and other documents. Users can create, store, and manage multiple email accounts from a single location. Microsoft Exchange Server is available as either a service that requires installation on the users’ computers or as a stand-alone email client that can be downloaded for free from Microsoft’s website. The first version of the Microsoft Exchange Server requires the installation of Microsoft Word or Excel on the user’s computers, and subsequently the installation of Microsoft Exchange Server.

• Microsoft Exchange Server is designed to make working with Microsoft Outlook a breeze.
• It enables email clients to access their files and organize their schedules, manage their contact lists, view and organize their calendar events and create or delete multiple email accounts and attachments.
• This service also enables email marketers to send bulk emails and build in-house database for tracking targeted audiences.
• Microsoft Exchange Server is an excellent tool for managing any type of business, large or small.