Service and Support
Feedback indicates Microsoft's customer service and support for Exchange is mixed. Some find it responsive and helpful, especially with enterprise agreements, while others report delays, inadequate knowledge, and high costs. Support often involves multiple teams or third parties, complicating resolution processes. Many rely on internal support, community resources, or documentation. Common criticisms include slow responses, insufficient problem resolution, and the need for Microsoft to improve training and communication.
Deployment
Microsoft Exchange's initial setup is typically simple, especially for small environments or fresh installations. Migration or hybrid setups can add complexity, demanding expertise and longer deployment times. Users often find on-premises installation straightforward but require advanced knowledge for configuration, particularly for larger organizations. Cloud-based setups like Microsoft 365 ease the process with automatic configurations, making it quick and efficient. Overall experiences vary widely based on the user's proficiency and setup requirements.
Scalability
Microsoft Exchange is highly scalable, handling thousands of users easily. Users report effortless expansion and scaling capabilities depending on infrastructure and licensing. Some challenges may arise with older systems or specific configurations, but most companies find it straightforward to increase capacity. While additional costs can influence scalability decisions, the platform's ability to handle large user bases makes it suitable for organizations of varying sizes and needs, accommodating seamless growth and expansion planning.
Stability
Microsoft Exchange is generally stable, with many users reporting reliable performance, though occasional issues arise due to patches, configurations, and user errors. Some experience glitches, such as freezing or minor downtime, particularly with newer updates. Regular updates are needed for optimal stability. Exchange Online encountered an outage impacting accessibility. Despite some challenges, users find it highly stable and seldom face major disruptions, often rating its stability between eight and ten out of ten.