* New features in the upcoming release of Exchange?
The new version of Microsoft Exchange, Exchange 12, has a number of interesting and useful features planned. Here are a few of the highlights Microsoft is planning for the next major release of its flagship messaging system:
* Exchange will make extensive use of server-based roles, all of which can be run from a single server for smaller organizations or segmented into function-specific roles for larger organizations. These roles include gateway (Port 25 management and hygiene functions); bridgehead/hub (for policy management and transport functions); unified messaging services (PBX interface, voicemail and fax management); mailbox services; and client access services. Voicemail messages can be routed through a bridgehead server for retention purposes, although there will be no text conversion of voicemail messages.
* Exchange 12 will automatically encrypt messages by default, and communications between Exchange 12 environments will automatically share keys.
* Microsoft will be focusing much more on compliance in Exchange 12 than it has in previous versions. The new version will include transport rules that are modifiable via a rules editor and will include a separate set of rules for managing retention and deletion policies. Microsoft is not planning any versions of Exchange 12 that are specifically designed to be compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
* There will be a new administrator user interface in Exchange 12, including a new command-line feature.
* Exchange 12 will feature full text indexing and searching capabilities.
Exchange 12 will go into beta during the fourth quarter of this year with about 1,400 customers. A larger beta is planned for mid-2006, with release planned for late 2006 or early 2007.
While some of the features and capabilities that will be included in Exchange 12 are already available in other messaging systems, the new version of Exchange promises to be a major step forward for current users of Exchange.
