Microsoft next week plans to disclose more details of a forthcoming update to its Exchange Server communications software, including new features for the Outlook e-mail program.
Paul Flessner, a Microsoft senior vice president, will provide a detailed product road map for all of the company"s server software when he speaks Tuesday at the Microsoft Exchange Conference in Anaheim, Calif. His talk will focus on how Microsoft"s next version of Windows--called Windows.Net Server 2003--is designed to help save businesses money when combined with the company"s other software, a Microsoft representative said.
The new version of Exchange, which handles e-mail, calendars and contact lists, will be released in mid-2003. It is the company"s first major update to the product since releasing Exchange 2000 nearly two years ago.
On Tuesday, Flessner will announce plans to spruce up the stripped-down Web-based version of the Outlook e-mail program, adding new features to make it as comprehensive as the regular PC version, according to the company.
The new Web version will include a spell checker and the ability to create and manage "tasks" or to-do lists, said Chris Baker, a Microsoft group product manager. Previously, people could view their tasks but couldn"t change them. People will also be able to create "rules" that automatically directs e-mail to specific inbox folders, he said.
"It will be the same look and feel, same layout and design. The goal is to make sure the user using the full Outlook can be as productive on the new Outlook Web Access,"" Baker said.