Outlook Web Access 2003 Features: What’s New for You

Picking the Outlook Web Access Version That's Right for You

One of the more notable features provided by Outlook Web Access (OWA) 2003 is your choice between two versions. If you are running Windows Internet Explorer 5.01 or later , you will be able to choose between OWA Premium and OWA Basic when you logon. If you are a non-IE user, you will only have access to Basic.

Outlook Web Access Basic is recommended for those who will be using Outlook Web Access for more straightforward tasks, such as checking e-mail and looking up contacts. This version is also best for those with slower Internet connections. OWA Basic supports most browsers; however, Internet Explorer 5.01 or later, or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or later are recommended.

The Outlook Web Access Premium client offers additional features, which will be useful for more advanced tasks. Some of these features may require Internet Explorer 6.

If you have Office 2003, you will notice some similarities in appearance, navigation, and other features between Outlook 2003 and your new Outlook Web Access page. The following sections will introduce the new features of OWA 2003 and differentiate between those available in the Basic and Premium versions.

Logon/Logoff Improvements

The OWA logon page will not only look different, it will also provide better security for your personal information. Your information will be stored in a cookie, not in the browser as it was before. This means that your login information will be cleared (and your will have to login again) when you close you browser or if you leave it inactive for a period of time.

Notice that in addition to the Premium /Basic client selection, the login page has a Private/Pubic Computer option. If you are on a public computer (in the library, computer lab, etc.), timeout occurs after fifteen minutes of inactivity. You will have more time on your private computer.

It is important to understand that while these new features significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your e-mail account, they are not a substitute for the precautions you are currently taking to protect your privacy. Always make sure you log off before you exit OWA, and never disclose your password to anyone.

New Views

Choice of five color schemes
Selection of the number of items viewable per page in the Mail, Tasks, and Contact views
Available Two-Line View displays more information about an e-mail in your Inbox, Trash folder, etc.
Mail icons help to describe the type and status of e-mails

Premium only features:

Multi-colored follow-up flagging for messages
Reading Pane allows you to view e-mails in the same window as your Inbox.
Shortcut menus allow quick access to related commands, such as Reply and Delete, by right-clicking on messages and folders.
Refreshing of a page does not occur every time you make a change to a list, thus reducing traffic on the network.

Navigation

Navigation pane contains shortcuts and folder tree. The size of the pane is customizable in Premium version.

Premium only features:

Keyboard shortcuts for common actions
The Log Off button has been moved to the right-hand side of the toolbar.
Search Folders contain saved searches for particular subjects, senders, etc. in your mailbox.
Public folders are presented in a separate window
Notifications setup for new message arrival, tasks, and calendar events.

Sending and Receiving E-mails

Available auto-signature, customizable color and style with Premium
External content blocking option
Junk mail filtering
Attachment blocking for certain types of files
Reply, Forward, and Sensitivity information displayed in InfoBar

Premium only features:

Spell Check available in several languages
Compose messages from your Address Book
Rules for e-mail handling may be set up
Set default font for e-mails
Add addressees in received mail to your Contacts list
Send messages from the Find Names dialogue box
Send and receive encrypted e-mail (Internet Explorer on Windows 2000 or later)

Calendar and Task Improvements

Create and manage new Tasks, including recurring tasks. Reminders for tasks also available with Premium
Meeting Requests and Cancellations may be replied to and forwarded

Premium only features:

Meeting reminders available