OWA

The Conversion of OWA (Outlook Web Access) to OWA (Outlook Web Apps)

The Exchange 2010 witnessed a change in the name of “Outlook Web Access” which became “Outlook Web Apps”. This change was accompanied by a new method of access, having a single inbox for all kinds of emails, instant messages, voice mails and text messages.All these features can be accessed through an internet web browser. The various interface enhancements at the user’s end include:

• Multi-Browser Support: Now the users can access OWA premium through non-Microsoft web browsers, such as, Safari 3+ and Firefox 3+. Regardless of the kind of browser used, the end-user experience is pretty much the same.
• Conversation View: In the new OWA, all the mails related to a single conversation are gathered from various mailbox folders so as to form a common thread, like in the case of newsgroups or forums. This helps the end-user to access and manage the full mail thread, as a single source.
• Single Messages Page: In the earlier version of OWA, only a handful of messages were displayed on a single page. However, the current OWA version in Exchange 2010 makes use of AJAX technology and allows a single page view of all the messages, such that the user can view the emails by simply scrolling down.
• Nickname Cache: A nickname cache displays the list of all your recent recipients and pops up with suitable suggestions whenever you type an email address. This cache has now become global and can be used with OWA, Outlook or Outlook Mobile alike.
• Mail Tips: The mail tips enhancement prevents the end-user from facing any embarrassing or damaging situation by giving advance notifications with regards to the recipients to whom the mail has been addressed. This includes notifications with respect to out-of-office or auto reply, large distribution lists, oversized attachments, external recipients or even administrator configured, custom mail tips for special purposes.
• Send on Behalf of or Send-as: Yes, now it is very much possible to send an email as another user, by changing the “from address” in OWA.
• Integrated IM: The MS Office Communications Server has provided for integration of IM functionality with OWA. This feature will enable the users to see the presence of a person added to their IM list, and will allow them to chat with their co-workers by using any internet web browser.
• Integrated SMS Feature: The new OWA will allow you to send SMS text messages also.
• Forward as Attachment: The earlier version of OWA did not support the function of forwarding an email as attachment, but this is now possible with the current version.
• Ignore Conversation: It is now possible for the users to ignore those conversations that they do not want to view or which are not related to them. Whenever a new email arrives in the ignored thread, the previous messages will automatically be deleted. This takes-off any unnecessary load from the inbox of the end-users. Anytime, if these same messages become important for you, you can simply cancel ignore information from the Delete Items.
• Favorites Folder: Certain folders that are used quite frequently can be kept separately as favorites. These remain synchronized with both Outlook as well as Outlook Mobile.
• Searching Messages: The search feature of the new OWA is more powerful and provides you with advance options. You also have an option to save your favorite searches for later access.
• Filters: Various advanced filters can be applied to view inbox messages or folders.
• Recovery of Deleted Items: You can easily recover your deleted items by right clicking on “Delete Items”.
• Archive Mailbox: OWA enables you to view your archive mailbox, which is an additional mailbox that stores archived data, instead of making use of PST files. Hence, you can access this feature at virtually any place in Outlook 2010 or OWA.
• Opening the Inbox of another User: In cases of full mailbox permission, you can now open the mailbox of another user in OWA.
• Opening Shared Contacts/Calendar: A maximum of five calendars can be opened simultaneously in the new OWA.

Administrative Capabilities:

• Account Information: The users now have the power to edit their private information in GAL without administrative support or helpdesk call.
• Groups Subscription: Users are now free to join any available group. Also, if a user has been granted group creation rights by the administrator, he is free to create a new group.
• Delivery Reports: The sent messages can now be tracked by right clicking on a particular message or through options.

The following list has migrated FROM OWA Outlook Web Access to DoD Enterprise Email

• Army Knowledge Online
• Army Reserve
• Fort Belvoir, Virginia
• Fort Bragg, North Carolina
• Fort Campbell, Kentucky
• Fort Drum, New York
• Fort Gordon, Georgia
• Fort Jackson, South Carolina
• Fort Hood, Texas
• Fort Irwin, California
• Fort Knox, Kentucky
• Fort Stewart, Georgia
• Fort Sill, Oklahoma
• Joint Base Langley – Eustis, Virginia
• Joint Base Lewis – McChord, Washington
• Yakima Training Center

They can be accessed by going to https://web.mail.mil/ more information about Army Enterprise Email can be found here.