New Microsoft Office 2019 on-premises server products, which are set to be released before the end of 2018, were made available for public preview on July 24. The new products include Exchange Server 2019, SharePoint Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2019 and Project Server 2019. Here’s what we’ve learned about these products thus far.
Microsoft Exchange Server 2019
New to Exchange Server 2019 is a pairing with Windows Server Core, which simplifies installation to enhance security, minimize the attack surface and conserve disk space. Users will be able to install on-premises Exchange 2019 on Windows Server 2016 Core, Windows Server 2019 Core, or Windows Server 2016/2019 with Desktop Experience.
Exchange Server 2019 will use SSD storage and be able to support up to 48 processor cores and 256 GB of RAM. Search capabilities, powered by Bing, have been re-engineered to improve speed and deliver more relevant results. Because search indexes are now within the database, you won’t have to manage separate log files. Exchange Server 2019 will also include new calendaring features such as "Do Not Forward" and "Simplified Calendar Sharing."
Microsoft points out that Unified Messaging will not be available in Exchange Server 2019. They recommend migrating to Skype for Business Server 2019 or Office 365 and using Cloud Voicemail.
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019
Modeled after the 2016 product, SharePoint Server 2019 promises to deliver a more modern, intuitive user experience. Users will find new interfaces for Communication and Team sites, lists, libraries, OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Mobile.
SharePoint Server 2019 and OneDrive next-generation sync client will work in hybrid cloud environments without the need for older Groove technology. Integration with PowerApps and Microsoft Flow will make it possible to add automation for applications. Microsoft will also make the Office 365 App Launcher available in SharePoint Server 2019 through hybrid Team sites and OneDrive for Business.
SharePoint Server 2019 will support file uploads up to 15GB, including a wide range of file types, and enable the use characters such as # and % for naming. Additionally, URL path length restrictions have increased from 260 Unicode units to 400. Users will also be able to use the Recycle Bin to recover files deleted by other users.
Microsoft Skype for Business Server 2019
There are four key capabilities available in Skype for Business Server 2019:
- Cloud Voicemail will provide a voicemail alternative to Unified Messaging for users of Skype for Business Server 2019 and Exchange Server 2019. Voicemail messages will still be stored in the user’s email inbox.
- Cloud Auto Attendant will ensure that on-premises users are always using the latest version of Auto Attendant.
- Cloud Call Data Connector will make it possible to upload all call quality data to Office 365 so you won’t have store that data locally. This feature will also provide access to a Call Quality Dashboard and a consolidated view of calling diagnostics reporting.
- Streamlined Teams Migration is a service designed to facilitate the transition from an on-premises Teams platform to the cloud.
Microsoft Project Server 2019
Project Server 2019, Microsoft’s end-to-end project and portfolio management solution, will be integrated with SharePoint Server 2019, providing users with SharePoint’s robust collaboration capabilities. Project Server 2019 will offer improvements in performance, scalability, reporting, and support for more APIs.
AdaptivEdge specializes in the strategic implementation, management and support of solutions across the Microsoft technology stack. Let’s discuss how the soon-to-be-released Microsoft Office 2019 servers fit into your business and model and IT roadmap.
Written and composed by Principal, Steve Soper
