M icrosoft has, at long last, brought Exchange support to Mac OS X. The company has released an update for Entourage that includes support for most of Exchangeis features. Exchange is Microsoftis Windows based server solution for corporate e-mail, scheduling, contact manager, and more. While it is a bear to maintain at the server level, as even hard core Windows fans will tell you, it is also a power house in the corporate space.
The lack of Exchange support, has been the reason for many a Mac being yanked from corporate networks over the years. This has especially been the case with Mac OS X, as there was no Mac OS X native way to access an Exchange network. There is, however, an outdated Exchange client for Classic Mac OS that has not been updated in some time.
Entourage is Microsoftis Mac OS X-only e-mail, calendaring, and contact manager solution. The software is included with Office v.X, is sold in a bundle with Word, and can be bought as a standalone app. The support for Exchange is being included in a free patch for Entourage. From Microsoftis Mactopia Web site:
Itis here- Microsoft® Exchange Update for Entourage™ X - created for Mac users in organizations that use Microsoft Exchange Server for e-mail messaging and collaboration. The Exchange Update for Entourage X makes more things possible for Mac users.
Introducing Exchange Update for Entourage X
Entourage X is a powerful e-mail and personal information manager (PIM) that helps you stay in touch with others, manage personal information, and keep track of your schedule. In Entourage X, your e-mail, calendar, address book, and task list are seamlessly integrated in one easy-to-use program. The Exchange Update adds features designed especially for people who work in organizations running Microsoft Exchange Server.Scheduling
Organizing a meeting? Find out when potential attendees in your organization are free or busy before sending invitations.Calendar synchronization
Keep your Entourage Calendar in synch with the Exchange server. That way you can keep track of your schedule whether youire connected to the server or working offline.Directory service
Quickly locate e-mail addresses by searching the Exchange global address list (GAL).Address Book synchronization
Now you can synchronize your contacts with those in your Exchange personal address book, so you have full access to the people you need, online or offline.Account setup
Setting up your Exchange account in Entourage is a snap. You supply your basic user information, and Entourage does the rest.E-mail rendering improvements
Text display in HTML-format e-mail messages is better than ever. Messages you receive from colleagues who use Microsoft Outlook on a PC will look great in Entourage X.Support for multiple e-mail accounts
Entourage X lets you set up as many accounts as you want – IMAP, POP, and even MSN Hotmail – so you can manage all your e-mail with one convenient program.Designed exclusively for Mac OS X
The elegant design of Entourage X takes advantage of the innovative features of Mac OS X, including the “Aqua” look and feel, and smooth rendering of text and graphics.Palm synchronization
You can synchronize items between Entourage X and your Palm handheld. When you synchronize, Entourage copies contacts, tasks, notes, and Calendar events to and from your handheld, so youire always up-to-date.
You can find more information and download links for the update at Microsoftis Mactopia Web site.