The Evolution of Microsoft Exchange

Microsoft Exchange Server is a calendar and mail server that runs on the Windows operating system. It is accessible to both desktop and mobile users through a client application or internet browser. In addition to its email and calendar functions, Microsoft Exchange includes collaboration and voicemail tools.

Using Exchange allows for scheduling conveniences, such as receiving alerts about an upcoming meeting or automatically informing colleagues and clients that you are out of the office. The server allows for email access through both desktop and laptop computers as well as mobile devices. This level of convenience and accessibility increases customer responsiveness and supports team collaboration. Collaboration is also enhanced by the address book feature, which gathers all contact information in one place.

Microsoft Exchange has four components as part of its email service: the information store, the System Attendant (SA), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), and Active Directory (AD). The emails are located in the information store, which also has features for email organization and search. The SA provides directory lookup services, as well as monitoring and maintenance features. SMTP is a protocol that governs the sending of email; it includes rules to handle multiple server email relays and emails sent to non-Microsoft email clients. As the account manager for Microsoft networks, AD works with SA to keep the address book up to date.

Microsoft has released 10 versions of Exchange since the first version. Each version has included feature improvements as the software adjusts to take advantage of the new developments in hardware technology, network technology, and the increasing role of the internet.

The first version of Exchange, Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0 (so designated because Exchange took over from a product called Microsoft Mail 3.x), came out in June of 1996. It featured client/server communications instead of the previous file-sharing technology. Additionally, it stored both address and message information in a database.

Microsoft Exchange Server 5.0 was released in May 1997. It built on the multiprotocol architecture of Exchange by expanding the protocols it can work with, making it possible to connect with more internet information sources. Version 5.5, released in February 1998, had a number of enhancements, including faster data backups and deleted item recovery.

Microsoft Exchange Server 2000 followed in November 2000 and had a 16 GB storage limit. Customers could also opt for Microsoft Exchange 2000 Enterprise Server, which included support for multiple databases and no storage limit.

Exchange Server 2003 featured intelligent message filters and mailbox management services including a mailbox merge wizard. When Exchange Server 2007 came out, it added features such as spam filtering technology and Outlook Anywhere, making it easier for Outlook users to use the Exchange network.

Exchange Server 2010 added features such as the calendar repair assistant and end-to-end message tracking. Exchange Server 2013 featured additions including anti-malware protection and improved integration with Microsoft’s storage technology SharePoint. Exchange Server 2016 included better search capability and architecture to support mobile devices, along with faster failure and failover isolation.

The latest version is Microsoft Exchange Server 2019. Taking advantage of new hardware development, Exchange 2019 can support 48 CPU cores and 256 GB of memory, up from the 24 CPU cores and 192 GB memory limit in the previous version. This version of Microsoft Exchange can also be installed in the minimalist Windows server installation known as Windows Server Core.

MSFT Azure & how It Benefits Businesses

Formerly known as Windows Azure, Microsoft Azure is a public cloud computing platform that provides various services, such as analytics, virtual computing, integration, identity, storage, and networking. In addition, Microsoft Azure provides infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and serverless cloud computing, which, together with its many tools, help businesses manage their challenges while meeting their organizational goals.

Below are some ways that Azure can help a business grow and stay ahead of the competition.

One benefit of Azure is that it is designed for all businesses, regardless of size. It operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, and it can be scaled to meet the IT demands of a particular company, making it the preferred solution for both small and established businesses. Additionally, Azure helps save on in-house IT costs such as hardware and maintenance while enabling companies to launch and store their internal and external applications in the cloud.

Microsoft Azure also helps businesses to enhance and implement security backup, compliance, and disaster recovery. Azure can back up data in almost any language. It also allows the user to define the frequency and extent of the data backup schedule, which can be daily, weekly, or monthly.

Furthermore, many high-risk entities, such as government agencies and health care, financial services, and manufacturing organizations, rely on Azure for cloud services because of its many compliance certifications, which ensure that the end users and the platform are protected. Services such as offline cloud services, customized security needs, and restructured customer apps have enabled these entities to address unique needs without compromising data security.

Another advantage of Azure is that it enables businesses to innovate with Internet of Things (IoT) industry solutions. Azure makes the perfect choice for companies seeking to move toward IoT solutions because of its flexibility, scalability, and security. IoT enables companies to connect various devices to the cloud using solutions that fit in with the existing infrastructure to collect new information. Azure IoT solutions assist in analytics, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Monitoring multiple devices helps a company gain insight when making business decisions; it also improves the customer experience, lowers costs, reduces complexity, and speeds up development.

Microsoft Azure provides rapid deployments through IaaS and PaaS. A hybrid cloud environment allows companies to decide whether to operate separately or use a public cloud. This enables a company to meet its IT and service needs without necessarily maintaining the underlying infrastructure.

Azure complements and expands a company’s IT infrastructure, allowing its IT personnel to focus on the business rather than worrying about equipment maintenance and in-house capabilities. Azure makes it easy and quick to deploy current apps, and its integrated development setting allows teams to master the platform quickly. In addition, compared to Google and Amazon, Azure provides faster content delivery while enhancing the user experience due to Microsoft’s extensive global footprint.

As most enterprises continue to redefine the way they do business, it is evident that companies can reap great success with cloud-powered business solutions. A study reveals that almost 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft Azure to drive their business.

Azure comes with various customer support plans, which vary in terms of choice and price. The basic support is available to all Azure users, while developer, standard, professional direct, and premier support are available at a monthly cost.

Mic Certified Systems Eng. Designation

The information technology (IT) sector is projected to grow by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those hoping to secure employment in the field can do so through a variety of avenues. Earning an associate's degree in IT or computer science is the quickest route to obtaining an entry-level role, whereas bachelor's degrees can present opportunities for increased responsibility depending on the individual's expertise and acumen.

Prospective leaders in the field can earn a master's degree or PhD in computer science. While these degrees take longer to complete than associate's and bachelor's degrees, they represent greater earnings potential for the holder. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information research scientists with a PhD in computer science is $113,370.

Career advancement for entry-level IT professionals isn't only possible by completing multi-year graduate programs at accredited institutions. There are also several certificate programs that can be completed remotely. These include Certified Data Professional, Microsoft Technology Associate, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Global Information Assurance Certification, and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

The MCSE certification previously stood for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. While this remains an accepted legacy certification for those who completed the program under this name, new applicants are subject to a range of new testing and experience requirements. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and, while experience isn't necessary, Microsoft recommends having at least 2 years of experience with its software and server hardware. Furthermore, candidates should also be ready and confident in their abilities to work as information security analysts, computer support specialists, and network and database administrators.

MCSE candidates must pass five exams, each of which has roughly 50 questions. In addition to multiple choice, question formats include best answer, short answer, case studies, hot area, and drag-and-drop. Exam questions prompt candidates to exhibit their familiarity with Microsoft server platforms. More specifically, they must show they can design, install, and troubleshoot networking and desktop infrastructure.

Specialty tracks are available for those seeking expertise in a particular area of IT or computer science. Depending on the specialty, the first three exams cover topics on either Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012. For the latter, candidates must showcase their ability to monitor server performance, maximize storage space, and manage system security. Those completing the former track must show they can effectively install and maintain a database.

The last two specialty certification exams cover topics such as private cloud management, business intelligence solutions, data model implementation, and Windows 8 application deployment. Specific specializations are offered in desktop infrastructure, server infrastructure, data platform, private cloud, business intelligence, messaging and communication, and SharePoint. Candidates can take these exams online through Microsoft and must complete a recertification exam every 3 years to maintain MCSE designation.

Individuals who earn MCSE designation typically work for business and financial enterprises, computer companies, or consulting firms. According to the BLS, most MCSE certificate holders work as computer support specialists or network and computer systems administrators, for which the median salary is $52,690 and $84,810, respectively.