Microsoft Exchange Online – Email server in the cloud

28-05-2024

Discover Exchange Online's features, advantages, and differences compared to Exchange Server and Outlook.
Microsoft Exchange Online – Email server in the cloud

Exchange Online is a cloud-based corporate email service - developed by Microsoft - that integrates all the features of Microsoft Exchange Server and can be purchased as a stand-alone service or included in Microsoft 365 Plans. This service combines various Microsoft products, such as email, calendar, contacts, and tasks, increasing your company's efficiency, security, and flexibility!

This tool stands out for the possibility of synchronously accessing it from any device and anywhere, for the high level of security of the email boxes, and for the ease with which information can be shared and exchanged within the organization. 
 

Exchange Online Features and Benefits

  • Advanced security
Exchange Online has an anti-spam and anti-malware filter focused on protecting mailboxes and preventing malicious content from entering.
 
  • Reliability
With a financially backed service level agreement and guaranteed uptime of 99.9%, you can count on your email working without interruption.
 
  • Telephone support
IT-level telephone support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 
  • Access email from anywhere
With Exchange Online you can quickly access your corporate email from any device you like (without needing a VPN), improving your agility and productivity.
 
  • Preventing the sharing of confidential data
Exchange Online allows you to set up various data loss policies (DLP - Data Loss Prevention) according to the guidelines of each company, protecting employees from improper sharing of confidential data.
 
  • Easy maintenance
It's easier than ever to provide your users with the business email they need to stay productive. Automatic error corrections eliminate the time and effort of maintaining your system.
 
  • Outlook integration
Integration with Outlook provides a better and more familiar email experience, including offline access.
 
  • Multifactor authentication
Multifactor authentication can be activated in Exchange Online for all users or just a few whose boxes have more sensitive content, preventing unauthorized users from accessing an account.
 
  • Saving time and money
Exchange Online optimizes communication and allows you to focus more on business.
 

Exchange Online and Exchange Server differences

Exchange Online and Exchange Server are two email and collaboration solutions offered by Microsoft. 

Exchange Online:
  • Cloud Hosting: Exchange Online is a completely cloud-based solution. The servers and infrastructure are located in Microsoft's data centers.
  • Licensing: In Exchange Online, you pay a monthly fee per user. There is no need to buy server or client licenses separately.
  • Features: Exchange Online offers mailboxes, calendars, contacts and tasks. Users can access their emails via Microsoft Outlook, Outlook on the web, or Outlook Mobile. 
  • Mobile and cross-platform access: Users can access their mailboxes and calendars not only from Windows devices but also from Mac clients, via MAPI over HTTPS or Microsoft Graph.

Exchange Server:
  • Local Deployment: Exchange Server is installed on physical or virtual servers within the organization's infrastructure. This requires regular maintenance and local management.
  • Licensing: Exchange Server requires server licenses and client access for employees to use it.
  • Features: Exchange Server offers similar functionality to Exchange Online, but is deployed locally. It allows for greater customization and control but also requires more maintenance.
Exchange Online is more convenient for organizations that prefer a cloud-based solution, while Exchange Server is more suitable for companies that want more local control and customization.
 

Exchange Online and Outlook differences

Exchange Online is an email server solution from Microsoft, while Microsoft Outlook is an email client that acts as a personal information manager. In terms of features, Exchange Online allows for faster, more efficient, and more secure correspondence. On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook allows you to keep email records and manage crucial systems such as messages and calendars.

As for access, Exchange Online can be accessed remotely via the browser or on servers. Microsoft Outlook, on the other hand, can be accessed directly from the desktop, providing a more immediate and direct interaction for the user. In terms of where it runs, Exchange Online runs on a server, ensuring that all email and collaboration features are centralized and secure. In contrast, Microsoft Outlook runs on the standard IMAP or POP3 protocol, allowing emails to be synchronized from different servers.

In terms of installation, Exchange Online requires configuration and maintenance on servers. Microsoft Outlook, on the other hand, is ready-to-use software, requiring no additional installation.

If you want to know about Exchange Online prices and plans, get in touch with Hydra iT! We have a team of consultants ready to answer all your questions!
 

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