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Microsoft Exchange Server is an enterprise-level email management software package that is normally used for large-scale email deployments, such as corporate email systems. More and more companies are seeking to outsource the management of their Exchange Server systems. Exchange Server remote hosting provides the benefits of a fully integrated Exchange Server email system while off-loading hardware and software maintenance to the hosting company.

Microsoft Outlook is the client that is normally utilized on users’ desktops for accessing accounts on the Exchange server. Microsoft Exchange Server integrates with other Microsoft products, such as SharePoint and Microsoft Office productivity suite. For example, users may utilize Outlook via the Exchange Server to dynamically create SharePoint workspaces from within the email client.

Exchange Server Remote Hosting

Many hosting providers offer Exchange Server remote hosting. Exchange Server remote hosting gives companies the best of both worlds. Companies can enjoy the benefits of implementing Exchange Server for their business. Yet, companies that use remote Exchange hosting are not required to retain full-time IT staff to manage their Exchange email servers. Management of an Exchange Server requires specialized skills and certifications for IT staff. Larger companies often employ at least one Exchange Server administrator to manage their email needs.

Companies that use hosted Exchange are not required to purchase server hardware to run Exchange. The hosting company provides server hardware. Finally, companies that use remote Exchange hosting can remotely manage their Exchange servers, including adding and deleting users. However, companies that use hosted servers are not required to keep licensing up to date. It is the hosting company’s responsibility to license the Exchange product, apply service packs and updates, and make sure that the bandwidth required for optimal usage is available.

The best Exchange hosting companies offer 24/7 support, as well as problem-free access to the email server. Hosting companies that offer Exchange Server hosting will usually employ full support staff to assist customers with their support needs. Great hosting companies will have a 99% or better uptime ratio for their servers and will provide remote administrators training when needed. Good hosting companies provide help when help is needed for corporate clients.

As time goes on, more and more viruses are being spread by email. Virus infection may bring down entire corporate networks through email. Exchange Server hosting providers take care of SPAM issues and make sure that email is virus-free. When the email server is managed locally, IT staff must deal with managing SPAM and potential viruses.

Access Hosted Exchange from Anywhere

When Exchange is hosted remotely, users can access their email accounts from anywhere that provides Internet access. With Outlook Web Access (OWA) enabled on the Exchange Server, all required is for users to have Internet access and a browser. They can access their corporate email without being wired to the company network. Ensure the hosting company you choose for your Exchange Server hosting provides Web access to email via OWA.

Dedicated vs. Shared Exchange Server Hosting

Two types of Exchange remote hosting are offered by hosting companies. A dedicated Exchange Server is one where the corporate client utilizes the entire physical Exchange server. With shared Exchange hosting, several corporate clients share a single physical Exchange server. Whether a company selects dedicated or shared Exchange hosting depends on the volume of email users. For small to mid-sized companies that only need email accounts for 100 or fewer users, shared Exchange hosting is most likely the best option. For large enterprise environments with thousands of email users, a dedicated Exchange server is most likely the best choice.

Whether a company elects to use dedicated or shared Exchange Server hosting, remotely hosting the email server is a cost-effective measure. Hosted Exchange Server packages are usually scalable and will be able to grow as the company grows. For example, if a business starts its hosted Exchange Server program with 50 users and, over time, the company grows to 100 employees, the hosted Exchange account will scale with the company.

Considerations for Hosted Exchange Servers

The main drawback to hosting an Exchange Server remotely is that email is inaccessible if the Internet connection goes down. The Exchange Server is accessed via the company’s Internet connection, and if the connection is interrupted, the ability to send and receive email is stopped until the Internet connection resumes. If the Exchange Server is hosted locally, the chances are that even if the company loses the connection to the Internet, employees will still access their email via the internal connection.

When selecting an Exchange Server remote hosting provider, make sure to investigate the hosting company’s uptime ratio, their support options, and their current client list. Hosting your corporate email server will most likely save the company money and alleviate the need for specialized staff to manage email servers. Hosted email services also protect the corporate environment by ensuring that email is virus-free and SPAM is under control.