But creating the infrastructure and architecture involves more than just Exchange. Microsoft is relying on new clustering technology in Windows Server 2008, such as multi-subnet stretched clusters, and federated Active Directory technology to help bolster high-availability and integrated management.

Microsoft is also trying to beef up discovery and compliance features in Exchange with built-in e-mail archiving. But early beta testers have said the feature doesn't appear like it will be complete in Exchange 2010 and will likely take one Service Pack to hit full stride.

Network World Lab Alliance member Joel Snyder said in his that corporate users should carefully assess the implications of the new server.

"The combination of clustering, replication and low-cost disk support means that reliability and scalability can be based on replicating small, inexpensive servers both within a data center and between data centers. E-mail managers thinking of deploying Exchange 2010 should step back and evaluate closely these new grid-style architectural approaches -- and be sure that your Exchange team has adequate time to re-think and re-evaluate commonly held beliefs on how to build large Exchange networks."

Exchange 2010 is the first in a wave of new Office products set to ship this year and next. Office 2010, SharePoint Server 2010, Visio 2010 and Project 2010 are slated to ship in the first half of 2010.