The latest downloadable build of Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 9 disclosed an information that was previously shown accidently to the public by Greg T. during his breakout session BRK3249 – Modern Authentication for Exchange Server On-Premises at Microsoft Ignite 2017.
As part of the global harmonization of the product name space of the well established Outlook brand the next release of Exchange Server will be named Outlook Server 2019.
This name change was mentioned originally on this slide:
Give it a thought and you'll realize that this change makes absolute sense as different product names for the same software function distract customers and users.
- Outlook
- Outlook for iOS
- Outlook for Android
- Outlook on the web
- Outlook Server
Another reason for renaming Exchange Server is a new functionality for integrating personal mailbox files (PST). It was and still is a tedious task for administrators to get hold of all those PST files in use by end users. Instead of implementing a complex and data protection safe process to import PST files to the primary users mailbox the new Outlook Server 2019 offers synchronized PST folders. A functionality we've waited for for years.
Two new functions are introduced as part the new modern Outlook Server 2019
- PST Sync
Synchronized PST files across DAG member servers - Linked PST Files
New Outlook function to connect to server based PST files advertised by AutoDiscover
How does it work?
- The $env:ExchangeInstallPath contains a new folder named PSTSync
The new folder can be accessed by end users using https:///PSTSync - Add new subfolder for each user with PST files, assign Owner access to the subfolder and inform the users to upload their PST files using that link
- The uploaded PST files are automatically renamed andf synchronized between the DAG member servers using PSTSync
- Exisiting PST files are automatically advertised by AutoDiscover as LinkedPSTFile when queried by a modern Outlook version
The following diagram illustrates the new functionality in a simple Outlook Server 2019 setup:
The following screenshot illustrates the new PSTSync folder and some sample PST file for a user with SAMAccountName JohnDoe
It's good the see that there is a future for a email server product like Exchange Server and that after so many years of cloud only an on-premises only feature got added.
Links
- BRK3249 – Modern Authentication for Exchange Server On-Premises
- More on Exchange Server 2016 CU9
- Official Link: https://goo.gl/QiTtDo
Enjoy the day and Happy Easter!
