Security's the message for Exchange
C|Net | at | by Mike
Microsoft is hatching plans for a new Exchange Server e-mail system, with improved security, a facelift for Outlook, and better support for cell phones and other handhelds. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer is expected to elaborate on the new version of Exchange in a speech to business partners Monday at its Fusion conference in Los Angeles.
The new version of Exchange messaging software, which handles e-mail, calendars and contact lists, will be the company's first major update of the product since releasing Exchange 2000 nearly two years ago. Microsoft, which competes against IBM, Novell and others in the market, will release a test version of the new Exchange later this fall, with a final version expected by mid-2003, company executives said.
The new version of Exchange, code-named Titanium, will be more secure because the company will, by default, disable certain messaging features to prevent hackers or virus makers from taking advantage of openings, said Jim Bernardo, Microsoft's Exchange product manager.