When choosing a business email solution the majority of businesses both small and large use Microsoft Outlook for their email due to its reliability, market leadership, and functionality.

There are a number of ways for companies to receive and send email from Outlook such as POP3 and IMAP, but Microsoft Exchange is the preferred solution.

It stores all emails, contacts, and calendars onto a centralized server that can be conveniently accessed from multiple computers and devices from remote locations as well as offering full support for synchronization with wireless devices.

There are two key ways to take advantage of all of the features and functionality of Microsoft Exchange.

1. Outsource Exchange to a Reputable Hosted Exchange provider
2. Manage an In-House Microsoft Exchange Server

The aim of this guide is to give you the information to make an informed decision and provide a cost effective and reliable Microsoft Exchange solution for your company.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take a Look at Your Organization's Microsoft Exchange Needs

Before you make a decision either way it is important to assess your needs.

• How many employees do you have?
• How many email boxes will you need?
• What is your available budget?
• What are your current IT resources?
• Do you need support for Mobile Devices?

I recommend: Researching Microsoft Exchange at a respected Exchange resource site such as Msexchange.org and reading articles to get up to speed on the latest options for Hosted Microsoft Exchange and Exchange Server.

Decide Between an Outsourced Hosted Exchange or an In-House Microsoft Exchange Server Solution

Now it is time to decide whether you will license Microsoft Exchange directly from Microsoft and manage on an inhouse server or if you will begin the search for an Exchange Hosting provider.

I recommend: Speaking with a Microsoft Sales rep in your area to get a detailed overview of hardware, software, and CAL (client access license) fees if you are serious about managing Microsoft Exchange In House.

If you are leaning towards a Hosted Exchange solution I would begin researching Exchange providers to get a more in depth idea of their strengths and weaknesses.

Select an Exchange Hosting Provider or Microsoft Exchange Server

Exchange Hosting
if you have choosen to go down the Hosted Exchange route you will need to select a quality provider that you can trust with your company's email. Make sure the provider is Microsoft certified, provides nightly backups, and includes a spam filter.

Microsoft Exchange Server
If you choose to go with Microsoft Exchange Server by now you should have a seasoned IT professional to help configure your server and provide security and maintenance support from here on out.

I recommend: For Exchange Hosting providers I recommend Hostway Exchange and Fusepoint.

For Microsoft Exchange Hosting Resources I recommend Slipstick Outlook & Exchange Solutions.