Microsoft rolls out beta version of Exchange 12

Microsoft rolls out beta version of Exchange 12

Microsoft's limited release of the first beta version of its Exchange 12 server program is the major talking point among system administrators the world-over today.

The software is being touted as the next generation of server programs used for e-mail and messaging by companies. According to a Microsoft representative, the test version released is only for 1,400 select users and will run on 32 and 62 bit systems. Microsoft plans to have another beta sometime in mid-2006 and the final version expected to be out by end-2006, however, would run only on 64 bit servers.

Exchange 12 is feature-packed and besides faster speeds and a better performance overall, the stand-out traits include voicemail and faxes handling capability, an improved web-based mail client and configuration for more effective management of the program by system administrators.

Security upgrades like an anti-virus API provided by a third-party along with an attachment-filtering feature that prevents suspect attachments from entering or leaving the network.

Users would also be enabled to access their email via telephone as well as have the computer read out mail messages. This is entailed from the move toward unified messaging and convergence, said the company.

The beta version, however doesn't have all the features that will be a highlight of Exchange 12.