Exchange Server gets beta treatment

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 24 Jul 2006 at 17:58

Microsoft has announced the public availability of betas of Exchange Server 2007 and Forefront Security for Exchange Server.

Exchange Server 2007 beta 2 is now feature-complete; general availability is scheduled for later this year or early 2007.

The new beta includes technologies to lock down communications channels, helping to meet compliance regulations, claims Microsoft. There is also better mobile access to the system, with support for more devices and clients, and new tools for sysadmins to reduce the administration overhead.

The Forefront Security for Exchange Server is essentially Microsoft's rebadging of the Antigen product acquired in its Sybari buy. It can be remotely administered, including installations as well as monitoring and updating, and co-ordinates security scans across edge, hub and mail servers.

The system can run as many as five antivirus engines. Microsoft has said it will include its homegrown engine - the result of another acquisition from GeCAD - for free. Most of Sybari's customers historically implemented two engines, so now, they perhaps only need one.

'Today we enter the home stretch of delivering an unparalleled messaging solution, providing our customers with a cost-effective way to meet their most challenging messaging needs including compliance management and protection against constantly evolving security threats,' said Dave Thompson, corporate VP of the Exchange Business Unit at Microsoft. 'In conjunction with Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange will provide our customers with the advanced anti-virus and anti-spam protection needed in today's world.'

The betas are available from the following locations:

Exchange Server 2007 beta 2

Forefront Security for Exchange Server