Via The Microsoft Exchange Team Blog, the Redmond based software giant has unveiled its plans for the first Service Pack for Exchange Server 2010. A beta version of the update will be made available in June at TechEd North America. Service Pack 1 will include all previously released roll-ups, as well some new and exciting enhancements.
Some of the changes include:
- Archiving and discovery enhancements
- Outlook Web App (OWA) enhancements
- Mobile user and management improvements
- Added UI for management tasks
As part of the update, it seems that PST file management will be getting some much needed changes. With SP1, Microsoft is "adding the flexibility to provision a user"s Personal Archive to a different mailbox database from their primary mailbox. This means your organization can now more easily implement separate storage strategies (or tiered storage) for less frequently accessed e-mail. And, we didn"t just stop there! We"ve also added new server side capabilities so you can import historical e-mail data from .PST files, directly into Exchange, as well as IT pro controls to enable delegate access to a user"s Personal Archive." These updates, along with improvements to multi-mailbox search have been highly requested by IT professionals since Exchange 2010 was released last November.
The Outlook Web App will be getting a much needed UI face-lift, making the experience faster, cleaner, and better suited for netbook monitor sizes. Users will also be able to share their calendars with anonymous users on the Internet. Also returning are the ability to add a theme to your web experience, as well as being able to place your reading pane wherever you"d like.
For more information regarding the new management UI elements, as well as the updated mobility features, visit msexchangeteam.com. The team notes that most of the changes in SP1 are a direct response to feedback from users. Expect a full list of features for SP1 on TechNet "soon."