Microsoft releases Exchange Server 2010 SP2

Microsoft has released a number of upgrades and bug fixes for the Exchange Server 2010. The upgrades have been made available via a second Service Pack (SP2) download.

"We're delighted to continually add value to Exchange as part of our ongoing release rhythm. The enhancements in this Service Pack are largely due to your feedback," Microsoft wrote in a blog.

"As with SP1, SP2 is a fully slipstreamed version of Exchange, with 13 server languages and 66 client languages (including English) available in a single package."

Details around SP2 were released in May this year to provide customers with enough time to update their Active Directory Schema, which can be a lengthy process but  essential in order to take advantage of newly added features.

Microsoft Exchange uses the Active Directory schema as a set of rules relating to users, groups, computers and domains. These have to be modified when upgrades are made available.

The upgrade includes a new feature called Outlook Web App (OWA) Mini.

OWA is designed for use on mobile devices, where a browser-only version of Outlook is available for low bandwidth and resolution handsets.

It includes a text-based interface to navigate the mailbox and provides access to the global address list.

A hybrid configuration wizard is also being made available as part of the release. This aims to help organisations create an environment where some mailboxes are on-premise and some are in Exchange Online with Microsoft Office 365.

It aims to simplify the configuration Exchange calendars, mailflows, mailbox moves and online archiving when moving to a hybrid model.

Address Book Policies, another feature made available as part of SP2, allows organisations to segment their address books into smaller subsets of users, which Microsoft argues provides "a more refined user experience" when compared with previous configurations.

Notes guiding organisations through the configuration process are available from Microsoft's website.