Exchange Server 2019

Microsoft Exchange Server is a calendaring and mail server that was created by Microsoft and can therefore only run on Windows Server operating systems. Exchange Server was created for businesses and allows users to the messaging platform from web-based systems, desktops, and mobile devices. Users can work together through document and calendar sharing and by using storage and security features organizations can perform, searches, file content, and execute compliance tasks. The first version designed by Microsoft was Exchange Server 4.0 and was came out in 1996. The most recent version is Exchange Server 2019 and came out in 2018. 

Exchange Server 2019: Editions

The first edition of Exchange Server was the 4.0 edition and came out in 1996. A lot of new editions have come out since then. 

1. Exchange Server 5.0
2. Exchange Server 5.5
3. Exchange 2000 Server
4. Exchange Server 2003
5. Exchange Server 2007
6. Exchange Server 2010
7. Exchange Server 2013
8. Exchange Server 2016
9. Exchange Server 2019

Exchange Server 2019: Features

Exchanged Server 2019 was released with several new features

1. Dynamic Database Cache (DDC): improves the speed of the Exchange Server.
2. Meta Cache Database (MCDB): stores meta information around the mailbox. This way users get access to this information and can find data quicker. Moreover, there’s the option to accommodate more users on one server which translates to lower costs.
3. Windows Server Core: ensures less configuration work and puts an end to unnecessary services that are a waste of resources. Also provides more protection by making sure there are fewer points of attack for criminals. 
4. Search index: is located within the database instead of separately. Facilitates administration and uses can look for data quicker. 
5. E-Mail Address Internationalization (EAI): removes problems with sending emails globally. 

Exchange Server 2019: Requirements

1. Operating system: at least Windows Server 2012R2
2. Software: supported version of Windows x64 should be installed
3. Processor: 64-bit 
4. Memory: minimum of 128 GB
5. Disk: 
   1. Minimum of 30 GB free space on the drive you’re installing on
   2. Minimum of 200 MB free space on system drive
   3. Minimum of 500 MB free space on drive with the message queue database
6. Resolution: minimum of 1024 x 768 pixels

Using Exchange Server 2019 remotely

It’s also possible to use Exchange Server 2019 remotely. Users will have to purchase a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) license to be able to do so. RDS licenses can be purchased as a RDS User CAL or a RDS Device CAL. Whether you choose for an User or a Device CAL depends on which one of the two are represented more within an organization. If there are less users than devices, the financially more beneficial option would be to purchase User CALs since every user then would have a license to use on several devices. If there are less devices than users the more optimal choice would be to purchase device CALs. Otherwise there would be more licenses than there are devices which wouldn’t make sense. 

Exchange Server 2019: End of Life (EoL)

The support for Exchange Server 2019 started at October 22^nd, 2018 and will end on October 14^th, 2025. This doesn’t mean users won’t be able to use Exchange Server 2019 anymore, but it won’t receive any more (security) updates from that date on.