Monday, February 17, 2003
Rich Exchange Server Functionality - A Moot Point?
Posted by Jason Dunn in "THOUGHT" @ 09:55 AM
One of the things we saw and heard a lot about at the MVP Summit was Exchange 2003 server (code-named Titanium). There are some supremely cool features coming, many of them tying into the Pocket PC. The best Pocket PC experience has always been when linked up with an Exchange server. Microsoft's Mobile Information Server has some great technologies built in, allowing server-sync and rich folder functionality. For Microsoft employees, the Pocket PC is a powerful tool for email.
The problem is, not everyone has an Exchange server. Microsoft builds in functionality on the assumption that everyone has access to one! I work with quite a few small businesses and individuals who can't afford the licensing, hardware, and upkeep costs of an Exchange server. There are third-party Exchange hosting services, but many are cost-prohibitive. Email is done through POP3, period. I fall into the same category - I don't have the expertise to manage my own personal Exchange server, so my email experience is nowhere near as powerful as the people at Microsoft. It's a consistant frustration when we hear about new features coming to the Pocket PC and we find out it's an Exchange-only improvement.
So it's survey time! Where do the rest of you stand?
The problem is, not everyone has an Exchange server. Microsoft builds in functionality on the assumption that everyone has access to one! I work with quite a few small businesses and individuals who can't afford the licensing, hardware, and upkeep costs of an Exchange server. There are third-party Exchange hosting services, but many are cost-prohibitive. Email is done through POP3, period. I fall into the same category - I don't have the expertise to manage my own personal Exchange server, so my email experience is nowhere near as powerful as the people at Microsoft. It's a consistant frustration when we hear about new features coming to the Pocket PC and we find out it's an Exchange-only improvement.
So it's survey time! Where do the rest of you stand?
