The next version of the Microsoft Exchange e-mail server
will cost businesses more to implement if they want to take
advantage of new features.
Exchange Server 2007 will be equipped with new unified messaging
and anti-virus features, among other improvements, but these will
all cost more to implement, Microsoft has confirmed.
Businesses will have to pay a higher amount for each PC that
connects to the server, otherwise known as the client access
license (CAL).
Firms that just want the core calendar, contacts and e-mail
features will be offered a standard CAL, at the same price as
current CALs covering the existing Exchange 2003 platform.
Microsoft has not revealed how much extra firms would pay to get
the extra functionality and security features, but it said the
extra amount would be less than if such tools were bought
separately.
The first beta of Exchange 2007 (previously known as Exchange
12) was released last December. A second beta is planned for later
this summer.
Microsoft is aiming to have the product ready for commercial
release by early 2007.