Evaluate

Exchange Server setup and troubleshooting

• What's new with the Exchange hybrid configuration wizard?

  The Exchange configuration wizard continues to evolve into a refined utility with enhanced capabilities that administrators should explore when considering a hybrid deployment. Continue Reading

• Are you ready for the Exchange 2010 end of life?

  Whether you want to stay on premises with a newer version of Exchange Server or lift that workload into Microsoft's cloud version, there are pros and cons to weigh on each end. Continue Reading

• Migrate to Exchange 2016 and beat the rush

  The path to Office 365 is easier if you're on Exchange 2016, which brings cloud integration features that benefit users and administrators alike. Continue Reading

• More Exchange backup options cover various deployment types

  Exchange administrators can choose from numerous backup offerings from Microsoft and third parties to restore individual emails or entire servers. Continue Reading

• Email options: Upgrade Exchange or go another way?

  Staying with Exchange Server is a valid choice. But there are other email options that deserve consideration. Continue Reading

• Dig into the Exchange 2016 hardware requirements

  A move to Exchange 2016 may mean increased costs to hardware that can support the latest Microsoft messaging platform.Continue Reading

• Five reasons for an Office 365 hybrid deployment

  Not all organizations can go all-in on cloud. There are five reasons why a hybrid Office 365 arrangement makes sense for those companies.Continue Reading

• Five Exchange 2016 migration best practices

  If your organization is considering an Exchange 2016 upgrade, follow these expert tips to make the transition as painless as possible.Continue Reading

• Crunching the costs of Microsoft Exchange on-premises vs. cloud services

  Security concerns are less of an issue for most organizations, but do the costs of using Exchange on premises vs. the Office 365 mail service stack up?Continue Reading

• Exchange 2016 CU1 overshadowed when mailbox anchor drops

  Microsoft released updates for all supported versions of Exchange Server. The updates cover issues with mailbox anchoring in Exchange 2013 and improvements to lagged database copies.Continue Reading

• Knowing when it's time for Exchange mailbox migration

  The end-of-life moments for older versions of Exchange are coming (and have come already for some versions), coinciding with the release of Exchange Server 2016. While some organizations may make the jump to the newest release, a number of companies...Continue Reading

• Deciphering Office 365 licensing for businesses

  A subscription-based model allows an organization to choose an Office 365 license that fits its size and more importantly its needs.Continue Reading

• Let's get IMAP vs. POP email protocols straight

  IT pros must make a protocol choice -- POP vs. IMAP -- when they don't want outside applications interfering with email message downloading.Continue Reading

• Administrators' choices for Exchange 2016 public folders

  Administrators who want to migrate public folders to Exchange 2016 should weigh the benefits over Exchange 2013 public folders and any migration risks before deciding.Continue Reading

• What third-party tools can I use for Office 365 monitoring?

  Our business is migrating from an on-premises server to Office 365. What third-party monitoring tools can we use to make sure it is running at optimal performance?Continue Reading

• Must-know Exchange Server info from 2015

  We've rounded up the top Exchange Server info of the past year, including a look at deploying Exchange 2016, and troubleshooting common Outlook error messages.Continue Reading

• Should admins consider an Exchange 2016 upgrade?

  Microsoft released Exchange 2016, but older versions may win out. No matter the version, admins should prioritize Exchange security in 2016.Continue Reading

• Surprise changes in the Exchange 2016 release

  Exchange 2016 brought mixed feelings for admins who felt like the release was more of an Exchange 2013 Service Pack than a new version. See which changes made it to the final release.Continue Reading

• How to sync AAD Connect with on-premises deployments

  Upgrading to AD Connect comes with the decision to deploy an Express or Custom installation. Before planning the sync, consider what you need from your new deployment.Continue Reading

• Exchange Server migration tips to plan the transition

  Migrating to Exchange 2013 or 2016 is best for some organizations, but others can't do without a legacy version. Consider these factors when planning a migration of Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• Azure AD PowerShell supports MFA to protect authentication

  The preview of the Azure AD PowerShell module flexes its muscles by supporting MFA and device management.Continue Reading

• Write-back to on-premises with Azure AD Connect

  Exchange 2016 promises some improvements to write-back functionality, especially for administrators managing a hybrid deployment.Continue Reading

• Migrating to the future: Moving to Exchange 2016

  Migrating to Exchange 2013, or even preparing for a 2016 migration, may be the best choice for some organizations, but others could be fine with a legacy version. In this three-part guide, we will cover the key factors in making a decision regarding...Continue Reading

• How to calculate Exchange 2013 resource requirements

  Inadequate server resources can impair performance and growth. Here's how to calculate megacycles of work and memory requirements for Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Conditions, constraints for building Exchange in Azure

  Running Exchange in Azure doesn't compare favorably to Office 365, but it has valid instances where it might be useful. Consider costs and competitors first.Continue Reading

• Availability requires monitoring mailboxes in Exchange 2013

  For a better understanding of Exchange Managed Availability, learn how to create and manage monitoring mailboxes, and how to fix a corrupted mailbox.Continue Reading

• Do I need to migrate public folders to Exchange 2010?

  I'm finishing up an Exchange 2007 to 2010 migration. Do I need to switch over the public folders? If so, what is the best method to do it?Continue Reading

• Configure disk volumes to optimize your Exchange 2013 performance

  The wrong disk volumes can foil Exchange optimization practices. Assess your configurations with support and compression in mind.Continue Reading

• A first look into the Exchange 2016 Preview

  Microsoft rolled out the Exchange Server 2016 Preview with productivity and collaboration changes. But is it actually a new version of Exchange?Continue Reading

• Is RAID 5 or RAID 10 a better Exchange 2013 storage choice?

  Choosing the right RAID level for your Exchange 2013 setup can prevent disk failures and improve overall storage performance.Continue Reading

• Overcome Exchange 2013 storage sizing issues

  Properly sizing an Exchange 2013 deployment protects it from future performance issues resulting from storage bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• Mapping out Exchange 2016 installation plans

  Features may change before Exchange Server 2016 hits RTM, but these six guidelines and requirements won't.Continue Reading

• Do you need third-party email security tools?

  Think you have a grip on email security? Ask these nine questions to determine if native security tools are enough or if you need a third-party tool.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 CU9 adds little in new functionality

  With the upcoming Exchange 2016 release, don't be surprised at the lack of new features or functionality in the recent Exchange 2013 cumulative update.Continue Reading

• Your Exchange 2016 cheat sheet

  Microsoft is still refining Exchange 2016 for release later this year, but the company has already outlined key features and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Why it will be easier to deploy Exchange Server 2016

  There are three new deployment experiences admins should prepare for in the upcoming Exchange 2016 release.Continue Reading

• Cloud grabs limelight at Microsoft Ignite conference

  Exchange Server 2016, cloud and hybrid Exchange options were highlights from Microsoft Ignite, says one MVP.Continue Reading

• Admins encouraged by Exchange 2016 features

  Admins should take note of these new and improved features and capabilities in Exchange Server 2016, experts say.Continue Reading

• Admins get a glimpse of Exchange Server 2016

  Exchange 2016 will get a face lift this summer as admins familiar with Office 365 stand to benefit from the 'cloud-first, mobile-first' mantra.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Ignite sessions Exchange admins should attend

  Attending the upcoming Ignite conference? One MVP explains which sessions Exchange admins should go to and what takeaways to expect.Continue Reading

• Exchange experts offer predictions for Ignite conference

  Admins should plan on learning more about the newest version of Exchange, Office 365 developments and hybrid functionality at Ignite, our experts say.Continue Reading

• Stop attackers from catching you in a phishing hack

  Exchange admins can use the recent State Department hack as a lesson in the importance of consistent security protocols.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 virtualization discussion points

  Is your organization considering whether it should virtualize its Exchange 2013 setup? Include these factors in your discussion.Continue Reading

• Best practices to prepare for your MCSE: Messaging exam

  One Exchange MVP answers four common questions admins have as they prepare for their MCSE certification exams.Continue Reading

• Hosted Exchange security questions you should be asking

  There are six questions admins must ask hosted Exchange vendors to ensure security is as much a priority to them as it is to your enterprise.Continue Reading

• What's the best way to migrate databases in Exchange?

  I want to merge databases by moving mailboxes from Exchange 2007 into Exchange 2010. What's the best way to do this?Continue Reading

• Free Exchange 2013 deployment assessment tools

  Microsoft offers a number of free tools that can help Exchange admins ensure Exchange setups run as smoothly as possible.Continue Reading

• Does 2015 signal an Exchange in the cloud movement?

  There are three important areas in Exchange and Office 365 that all admins should keep an eye on this year, according to one MVP.Continue Reading

• Exchange Server experts shed light on 2015

  We asked three experts what Exchange Server changes to expect in 2015. Here are their forecasts of what's coming to an email platform near you.Continue Reading

• Exchange gifts to stuff your stockings

  Need some inspiration on what to ask for or what to buy fellow Exchange admins this holiday season? Our Exchange experts have some ideas.Continue Reading

• The pros of finding the right antispam tool and archiving tool

  No single product has every feature a company needs. Third-party spam and archiving tools can fill the gaps in Exchange Online and Office 365 features.Continue Reading

• Microsoft releases long-awaited Exchange 2013 CU7

  The recent Exchange update includes a long-awaited fix for public folders, updates to previous versions of Exchange and a delayed security fix.Continue Reading

• What third-party Exchange backup tools exist?

  We're running mailbox servers in Windows Server 2008 R2 and don't want to use Windows Server Backup. What third-party options are available?Continue Reading

• How does Exchange Native Data Protection work?

  Take a look at what Exchange Native Data Protection does in Exchange 2013 to decide if it fits into your organization.Continue Reading

• Incident reports are crucial when DLP rules are broken

  The best DLP policies are useless without a way to communicate when violations occur, so learn how to create incident reporting.Continue Reading

• The benefits and challenges of virtualizing Exchange Server

  While virtualizing Exchange Server can reduce operational costs, improve flexibility and consolidate resources, a proper plan is necessary in order to avoid problems. IT shops must decide between Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware's more established vSphere ...Continue Reading

• The latest updates in Exchange 2013 CU6

  The latest Cumulative Update for Exchange 2013 includes fixes for a popular wizard and addresses public folder issues.Continue Reading

• Enforce acceptable use guidelines with policy tips

  Policy tips in Exchange 2013 remind end users of acceptable use policies and prevent accidental violations before they ever occur.Continue Reading

• Do your Exchange incident response plans hold up?

  Security breaches and threats continue to evolve. Is your incident response plan keeping up with the times? Evaluate your risks and current plans to ensure you're prepared for the worst.Continue Reading

• New features in Exchange Server transaction logs

  Log files are vital to how Exchange Server functions. Brush up on how log files have changed in Exchange 2013 to protect your setup against disaster.Continue Reading

• How can Azure VMs help with hybrid Exchange?

  Azure virtual machines can't host Exchange servers, but there are a few ways you can use them to extend and improve a hybrid Exchange setup.Continue Reading

• DLP policies template selection in Exchange 2013 SP1

  Explore all options to pick the right data loss prevention template, and keep in mind that multiple or third-party templates may be necessary.Continue Reading

• Ten things to know before you migrate to Exchange 2013

  An upgrade to Exchange 2013 involves more work if you're on Exchange 2003, but if it includes the features and capabilities your organization needs, the extra effort could be worth it.Continue Reading

• Who, what, where? How the cloud complicates identity management

  IT security and regulatory compliance require identity and access management. However, the move to the cloud and the spread of mobile devices has added complexity. This handbook looks at tools and best practices for managing authentication, working ...Continue Reading

• Do you actually need to virtualize Exchange Server 2013?

  As your organization weighs the pros and cons of virtualizing Exchange Server 2013, think about these important factors before you decide.Continue Reading

• The best spam protection for an Exchange 2013 deployment

  As attackers find newer and faster ways to exploit vulnerabilities, know your antispam and antimalware options to protect Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Ten things to know before you migrate to Exchange 2010

  If your organization wants to migrate off Exchange 2003, here's what you need to know about Exchange 2010.Continue Reading

• Does Exchange 2013 virtualization make sense?

  Include storage and resource allocations in your discussions about whether or not to virtualize Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Clear up misconceptions about hosted Exchange services

  Hosted Exchange can be a great option for many organizations, but sort through the marketing fluff to make the best choice.Continue Reading

• Options for migrating to a hybrid Exchange deployment

  Choose the best approach to migrate to hybrid Exchange and learn about new features that support multi-forest hybrid deployments.Continue Reading

• It's time to reevaluate your email data retention policies

  Email is critical to most businesses, so Exchange should be front and center in an organization's data retention program.Continue Reading

• Three essential steps for preparing to migrate to Exchange 2013

  We break down the Exchange 2013 migration process into three easy steps to help your enterprise be as prepared as possible.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 SP1 features that will make admins happy

  Here's a breakdown of the most promising features in the recent SP1 release and a look at what could use some work.Continue Reading

• Three MEC 2014 predictions: Exchange Server 2013 SP1, cloud and social

  Exchange 2013 SP1, Office 365 and the social workplace should be hot topics at the upcoming MEC event, Exchange experts said.Continue Reading

• The many paths to Exchange 2013

  Exchange 2013 offers features that could benefit administrators and make the idea of hosted Exchange more appealing. We look at how to install and deploy Exchange 2013 and how to address problems that will likely arise in the upgrade process.Continue Reading

• Five quick pointers for easing Office 365 migrations

  If your enterprise is looking at an email migration, Office 365 can be the best option -- if you know the right questions to ask.Continue Reading

• Don't go into battle without these Exchange Server tools

  Whether you're new to Exchange or a seasoned Exchange MVP, these tools are non-negotiables for maintaining control.Continue Reading

• The UC Architects talk Exchange Server, Lync and must-see events

  This well-known group of Exchange and Lync MVPs, MCMs and enthusiasts talks about the latest happenings in the world of Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• Choosing the best email security tools for your business

  Once you've decided to look at third-party security tools, you'll have to decide between on-premises or cloud-based options.Continue Reading

• Configure essential tasks in an Exchange CAS deployment

  Before an enterprise can use Exchange 2013 Client Access Server, admins must configure these tasks.Continue Reading

• Choosing the best Exchange certificate option

  Digital certificates are essential for keeping Exchange secure -- as long as you choose the best option for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Five tips for understanding your Exchange compliance options

  New Exchange 2013 and hosted Exchange features, as well as an overhaul of old ones, give admins more options to meet compliance requirements.Continue Reading

• Does your enterprise need Office Web Apps Server 2013?

  Office Web Apps can help with several Office 2013 products, but you have other options if you install Exchange 2013 in small organizations.Continue Reading

• Is Password Sync better than AD FS for Office 365 identity management?

  Can DirSync's Password Synchronization feature compete with AD FS for Office 365 identity management?Continue Reading

• Simple ways to troubleshoot slow mailbox moves to Office 365

  Slow mailbox migrations are frustrating, but are they a sign of a larger problem? Here are some simple ways to check.Continue Reading

• Set up reliable Exchange 2013 load balancing with open source tools

  You can now use free third-party load-balancing options, including Linux offerings, thanks to improvements in Exchange.Continue Reading

• Keys to deploying Exchange without emptying the wallet

  The decisions you face as you plan for and design an Exchange deployment can impact your deployment options and the overall cost.Continue Reading

• Be better than your MCSE: Messaging credentials for deep-dive learning

  If you want to excel at Exchange, it's time to go beyond Microsoft certifications and learn more about the inner workings of Exchange.Continue Reading

• Match your Exchange deployment to your IT department budget

  As you research the best on-premises Exchange deployment for the money, keep three things in mind.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based features a big benefit when you buy Exchange 2013

  When you implement Exchange 2013 in your organization, you'll become less reliant on third-party software and better prepared for the cloud.Continue Reading

• Why enterprises are delaying an Exchange 2013 migration

  Even with improvements and new features, many enterprises have decided to wait to upgrade to Exchange 2013 -- for a few good reasons.Continue Reading

• Getting to know your compliance options in Exchange 2013

  Keeping up with the regulations that come with new technology can be tough, but certain Exchange features can help organizations stay compliant.Continue Reading

• Five tips for recognizing Office 365 benefits, criticisms

  Making the argument on why a move to Office 365 is a good idea? Check out these resources explaining its features and benefits, as well as some criticisms.Continue Reading

• Use hypervisor features for the best Exchange virtualization platform

  Is Hyper-V or vSphere a better choice to virtualize Exchange? Take a closer look at hypervisor features from the top three vendors before you decide.Continue Reading

• Comparing your hypervisor choices to virtualize Exchange

  You can virtualize Exchange with any hypervisor on the SVVP, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Choosing the right hypervisor requires some planning.Continue Reading

• Comparing Office 365 pros and cons with Exchange 2013, hybrid setups

  Before upgrading your email setup, weigh Office 365 pros and cons with those of potential Exchange 2013 or hybrid deployments.Continue Reading

• Spotlight on top new Exchange 2013 features

  There are several new Exchange 2013 features that should interest those debating an upgrade. We examine several standouts and how to work with them.Continue Reading

• Explaining cutover vs. staged Office 365 migrations

  Various options exist for companies planning Office 365 migrations. Cutover and staged migrations are possibilities, but what exactly do they entail?Continue Reading

• Comparing Exchange 2013 and Office 365 pricing and feature sets

  Exchange 2013 and Office 365 pricing and feature sets are important items to examine when weighing an email migration. Here's what to know.Continue Reading

• New Exchange 2013 features may help simplify migration decisions

  New Exchange 2013 features make on-premises migrations, Office 365 setups and hybrid environments all viable options.Continue Reading