Redmond rolls with Exchange 2010 SP2 update

Microsoft has released the second service pack for Exchange 2010, including a tweak for mobile Outlook Web App (OWA) and better support for Exchange in hybrid cloud systems.

The 535.2MB download, which needs Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard (or just Standard) to run, includes OWA Mini, a text-based version of OWA designed to be run from the browser or a mobile handset to access address lists and mail. OWA also gets a new single sign-up system for accessing CAS information contained in non-local Active Directories.

The service pack also has a new setup wizard for IT admins who want to manage systems that use Exchange Online in Office 365 as well as running on-premises email. The tool links mailboxes, archives, and shared functions such as calendar to ensure that data is current across accounts, and lets these connections be managed more simply.

Greater segmentation of address books has been added, allowing IT managers to more sharply define what contact information is accessible for specific Exchange users. The service pack also contains a complete bundle of earlier patches and updates to the code.

In a less than professionally polished video “interview”, Exchange general manager Kevin Allison explains that the service pack will let those using the installed Exchange package benefit from some of the features found in Microsoft’s online offerings, which are added on a quarterly or semi-annual basis.

“There is a continuous innovation cycle that’s much faster in the service,” he said. “The benefit for our on-premises customers is that these same things show up in service packs, and so they reap the benefits of innovation as we move forward.” ®