14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Mobile phone users will soon be able to enjoy a series of new features that Exchange Server 2010 will bring to Exchange ActiveSync, and the most interesting one seems to be the fact that the handsets that run under Windows Mobile 6.1 will see a new version of Outlook pushed to them over the air, which means that Microsoft seems determined to leave no one outside the party.
It seems that someone from Microsoft has unveiled some of the goodies that the Exchange Server 2010 is set to bring forth in a post over at Technet, and we can count among them SMS sync along with the ability to send SMS messages from Outlook, not to mention threaded e-mail views, streaming and transcription of voice mail, as well as free and busy status views.
In addition, it also allows users to autodiscover/autoconfigure the IMAP/POP3 settings directly from their mobile devices by specifying their email address, and set up a single list to block/allow mobile devices as needed. At the same time, they will also be able to quarantine handsets such as new untested devices, etc.
The SMS Sync feature list that comes with Exchange Server 2010 ActiveSync includes the ability to use OWA, Outlook, and Outlook Mobile to respond, SMS messages are backed up on the server, recipients can respond to messages, as well as the fact that users can switch “screens” while still seeing all their messages.
As one can easily see, there are some nice features that should come around with Exchange Server 2010, and the greatest part of all should be the fact that users won't have to necessarily upgrade their handsets to Windows Mobile 6.5 to benefit from them; they will also be able to enjoy them on their older WinMo 6.1 phones. Those who would like to take a closer look at the features can find more details here.