Using the Basics of OWA2003

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Using the Basics of OWA/2003

OWA, like most Outlook client software, is basically used for sending and receiving email via the Web. Basic email messaging has been the focus for the Exchange client software programs and will continue to be, with added features providing even more functionality for collaboration and communications. There are some organizations that either don't want their employees to be bothered with all the features or are using older or different browsers. To accommodate all users, Microsoft created user modes in Outlook Web Access 2003 that provide differing levels of feature availability. Some of the improvements and functionality changes in OWA 2003 are available only while using the premium user mode, and not the basic user mode.

Understanding User Modes

OWA's login now uses forms-based authentication, which provides the end-user with two modes of use, depending on the application used to access OWA. Users with Internet Explorer 5.01 or above have the option of choosing the premium mode (or Premium Client Version) of OWA or the basic user mode (or Basic Client Version). Users with Netscape-or-older versions of Internet Explorer or other Internet Access methods must use the basic mode for viewing OWA.

The Premium Mode

The premium mode provides users with the full OWA experience. All available enhancements, views, and features are available using the premium mode, as shown in Figure 26.1. However, the premium mode is more bandwidth- intensive , so that must be accounted for when choosing the access mode.

Figure 26.1. Premium mode Outlook Web Access.

graphics/26fig01.jpg

The Basic Mode

Significantly fewer options and features are available to the user accessing OWA through the basic mode, as shown in Figure 26.2. However, the basic mode provides any user with the ability to access OWA by any Internet application. It also provides an alternative method for those with slow dial-up links to gain basic functionality without employing all the bells and whistles available to them via the premium mode.

Figure 26.2. Basic mode Outlook Web Access.

graphics/26fig02.jpg

Depending on the configuration of the Exchange server, the choice of whether to access OWA via the premium or basic mode may be presented at the user OWA logon screen. When users input their credentials, they also must choose the mode to use. The features presented are dependent on that choice.

NOTE

This chapter is written from the viewpoint of a user who is accessing OWA via the premium mode. The experience for a user accessing OWA via the basic mode will vary from the descriptions in this chapter.


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Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Unleashed
Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Unleashed (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0672328070
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 393
Authors: Rand Morimoto

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