Aside from obvious management and administrative improvements, and new Windows PowerShell-based access to the product, Microsoft introduced the idea of unified messaging and aims to transform the way organizations handle a flood of messages in a number of formats. There are also new VoIP-based requirements for the new features. Let's take a look at exactly what's new and what's needed to take advantage of this new release.
Unified messaging
Exchange Server 2007 integrates the concept of "unified messaging" throughout all of the corners of the product -- a way of thinking about the Exchange mailbox as a central place to interact with the different aspects of a user's life. Exchange Server 2007 wants every piece of personal information or data to cross its path so it can help the user manage it, wherever and whenever.
Seamless access to e-mail, voice mail, faxes, calendar items, your to-do list, from essentially any device -- including a phone -- is part of the idea. Exchange also wants to blur the line between what format a piece of data is in. No longer should it matter, according to Microsoft, whether you have information contained in a voicemail message, a fax, or an e-mail--- they are all actionable items, able to be consumed and stored in the most convenient format for the user.
So how is unified messaging implemented in practice, at least in this release? It appears namely in two areas: Outlook Voice Access and new wireless capabilities and support.
Outlook Voice Access
Perhaps the most important feature from the user's perspective is Outlook Voice Access, a wonderful addition to Exchange Server 2007 that essentially connects the data in a user's Exchange mailbox with speech capabilities embedded within the server product (the speech capabilities rely on an included, "lite" version of Microsoft Speech Server). A user can dial the Exchange gateway number, enter credentials and then be connected with his or her calendar and messages in the Inbox. Outlook Voice Access will read e-mail and fax messages, calendar details, contact information and the like over the phone.
But it's not a one-way solution -- Outlook Voice Access responds to verbal commands, like an automated attendant with secretary-type powers. So if your flight is delayed, for example, and the person you're meeting on the other end needs to know you will be two hours late, you can tell Outlook Voice Access over the phone to reschedule your meeting for two hours later.
You can also call in and clear your schedule for a specific block of time, or an entire day, and Exchange will let your meeting participants know of your absence, including with a voice recording explaining things, if you wish. You can also perform common mailbox management functions, like replying to and deleting messages, over the phone from anywhere.
Wireless compatibility and capabilities
Windows Mobile-based device users will enjoy increased access and better performance with their synchronized mailboxes with Exchange Server 2007 as the ActiveSync platform is improved. Microsoft is licensing ActiveSync to other mobile providers in an effort to make Exchange synchronization capabilities available on a number of device platforms, not just Windows Mobile devices.
This isn't anything totally new. Indeed, most of the capabilities that Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 2 included are available in Exchange 2007, including a security wipe feature that remotely deletes all data on a phone that an administrator reports lost or stolen, and push messaging support, which allows messages to be delivered directly to a connected device. This is a much better solution than the text-message prompted synchronization that occurred with these devices before SP2.
Hardware requirements
Bridging voice and data will require the use of an IP-based private branch exchange, or a voice-over-IP gateway that will allow phone users to call into their mailbox and let voice messages to be routed to a user's Exchange mailbox.
Currently, Cisco Systems Inc. and a number of other solution providers are testing compatibility with their different call management products with Exchange Server 2007, and many products are expected to be fully functional with unified messaging upon Exchange's release in early 2007.
Additionally, Exchange Server 2007 will integrate with the new Office Communications Server 2007 and the client-based Office Communicator 2007, two more full-featured voice solutions that use Session Initiation Protocol and softphone capabilities to manage many different communication methods for a user.
For example, Office Communicator works with the sister server product to provide a unified place for voice calls, instant messages, video-conferencing and Web conferencing to take place. Special hardware is being developed to work with Communicator and, indirectly, Exchange Server 2007.
More information
Microsoft Presspass: Microsoft Unveils Unified Communications Product Road Map and Partner Ecosystem (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/jun06/06-25UCGRoadmapPR.mspx)
White paper: Exchange Server 2007 Unified Messaging (http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/evaluation/um.mspx)
Microsoft Exchange Team Blog (http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/category/10058.aspx)
Jonathan Hassell is an author, consultant and speaker on a variety of IT topics. His published works include RADIUS, Hardening Windows, Using Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Learning Windows Server 2003. His work appears regularly in such periodicals as Windows IT Pro magazine, PC Pro and TechNet Magazine. He also speaks worldwide on topics, ranging from networking and security to Windows administration. He is currently an editor for Apress LLC, a publishing company specializing in books for programmers and IT professionals.