What are some of the new features in Outlook Web Access (OWA) 2007?
Outlook Web Access has been completely rewritten for Exchange Server 2007. Some of the new features include:
Mailbox enhancements
- New email appears automatically without having to refresh the inbox.
- The unread mail count is automatically update a new message arrives.
- Single or multiple messages can be dragged and dropped into mail folders.
- The right-click context menu includes options to mark mail items as read/unread, rename mailbox folders, and create new folders.
- An automatic quota alert has been added to observe mailbox quotas.
- Administrators can create and maintain Managed Folders to observe corporate file retention policies.
- Advanced sort options help users arrange mail items by date, from, to, conversation, etc.
New mail notification
- The new message notification adds an alert to the OWA title area.
- Different notifications for mail, voicemails, and faxes appear in the OWA title area.
Creating messages
- Recipient auto-complete cache suggests recipient names while typing in the addressing fields.
- An advanced formatting toolbar has been address to the create message form added.
- The advanced spell check underlines misspelled words.
- Set the priority, sensitivity and request read receipts on messages using the Options dialogue in a new message.
- Add compliance labels to the message using Administrator set message classification.
Address book
- Search and browse the Global Address List and Personal Contacts in the address book.
- Create new contact folders from within the address book.
- Filter entries based on all, people or distribution lists.
WebReady Document Viewing
- Read Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Adobe PDF documents without the need for the applications.
- View a safe HTML version of supported WebReady Document Viewing files. Use the "Open as web Page" link next to the attachment name to access the content.
Message flagging
- Flag messages and set due dates using the flag icon to the right of the message title.
- Color-code messages, appointments and tasks using the color-coded categories feature.
- See all flagged items in the "Flagged items and Tasks" folder.
- Set reminders for flagged items and tasks from the "Flagged items and Tasks" folder or using the "Set date and reminder" option from the right-click menu.
Integrated Mailbox Search
- Users can search for mail items based on categories.
- Users can access the search bar throughout OWA using words, searching by sender or by category.
Calendars
- Integration of date based navigation.
- Organize appoints using the colored free busy indicators.
- Use daily, weekly, work week and monthly calendar views.
- Create a new calendar function from within the calendar folder.
- Quickly find the most suitable appointment time using the smart scheduling feature.
- Using the scheduling assistant shows all attendee's availability.
- Use the meeting suggestions area to see a range of suggested dates and times depending on attendee availability.
- Drag and drop appointments to move them around the calendar.
Documents module
- Access documents stored on files shares and SharePoint document libraries using the Documents shortcut.
- Add shares to the favorites list making them instantly accessible.
Out of Office Assistant
- Schedule specific out of office times by configuring start and end times.
- The Out of Office Assistant reminds users that the notification is enabled when they login to OWA
- Create separate out of office responses for internal and external senders.
Unified Messaging
- Set alternate greeting during business hours and after hours.
- Users can configure if they want to receive missed call notifications in the Inbox.
- Reset the voice mail pin from the OWA Options page.
Mobile Devices
- View last the last time the device was synchronized.
- Perform a remote data wipe to protect corporate data if the mobile device is lost or stolen.
To visually see a demonstration of all these features and more, refer to Microsoft's Microsoft Outlook Web Access 2007 Feature.