In a time where social media makes companies more accessible and video calls can connect people anywhere in the world, the need for businesses to have communication technologies has never been greater. Emails are essential for employee communication, allowing team members to liaise with each other and clients without any hassle. Among Microsoft solutions, Exchange and Outlook are the email-related programs businesses frequently encounter. But what sets them apart?
This article will delve deeper into both solutions, highlighting key differences to help demystify two seemingly similar programs. With the information below, you will have an easier time understanding how each tool would fit into your business.
Exchange vs Outlook: What are they?
Exchange
An email server, Microsoft Exchange allows organizations to better manage their email, contacts, and calendar data. Exchange helps enable Microsoft Outlook, providing it with the resources it needs to host external and internal communications. Exchange also supports other mail clients. Available as a cloud-based solution (Exchange Online) or as an on-premises tool, Exchange offers various features—management capabilities, storage, etc.—that make it a robust tool for hosting a company’s email ecosystem.
Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is an email client that supplies users with the solutions they need to send and receive emails, organize tasks, manage folders, and more. Accessible using a desktop or mobile app, Outlook is part of the Microsoft 365 (also known as M365 or Microsoft Office 365) suite, and it can also be acquired on its own. Outlook is compatible with various operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows 11, and macOS. It also works with any number of mail servers as long as they support common protocols.
What are some differences between Outlook and Exchange?
Despite both Microsoft solutions being designed to facilitate effective employee communication, there are several key differences between the email tools. The differences are as follows:
- Functionality: Exchange is a server-based platform that supports Outlook with essential resources. On the other hand, Outlook is an application whose features are designed to streamline communication for increased productivity and reduced operational roadblocks.
- Forms: Exchange has an on-premises version and a cloud-based version. Outlook can be installed on desktop and mobile or run from the cloud.
- Availability: Outlook is accessible across all M365 subscriptions. Exchange is not available in the “Apps for business” subscription because the plan does not include any backend services, such as SharePoint.
- Individual pricing: When sourcing Exchange on its own, users are required to pay on a per-user/month basis. Outlook requires a lump-sum payment that only covers one computer.
While the differences between Exchange vs Outlook may not seem all that serious, knowing what they are can help you decide on the program that best suits your company’s needs.
Should businesses use Outlook and Exchange together?
The beauty of Microsoft solutions is that they can readily integrate with each other and support organizational processes from the very beginning. Exchange and Outlook are no different. While Outlook does work with other email servers, businesses can make full use of the solution’s potential when they run it with Exchange.
In addition to having the means to improve employee communication within a highly secure and scalable email environment, businesses that utilize Exchange with Outlook will also have fewer issues with synchronizing messages and data from both programs into other areas of their Microsoft ecosystem (for example, Microsoft Teams). And by making full use of seamless information flows, organizations that leverage the power of Outlook and Exchange will have an easier time conversing with clients/staff, no matter if people are working remotely or they are based in the office.
Exchange vs Outlook: Use Microsoft solutions to enhance employee communication
All in all, Microsoft Exchange and Outlook are two different parts of the same email system that are designed for different purposes. Outlook’s use as an email client lets employees compose, send, and manage their email messages for greater organization and employee communication. Exchange helps Outlook work at maximum efficiency, resulting in more dynamic processes and better employee engagement.
Knowing the differences between the two programs and how they work together can help you improve your business’s communication channels. But no matter if your human resources department needs a new way of liaising with hybrid workers, or if you want to overhaul your organization’s communication tools, a Microsoft solutions consultant can ensure your business has the means to boost employee communication with the most robust programs around.
Everconnect’s team of experienced Microsoft consultants can provide your business with the guidance necessary to successfully navigate the complexities of Exchange and Outlook. With a deep understanding of these powerful platforms, Everconnect’s consultants offer a comprehensive range of email services, including system configuration and ongoing support, to cover all areas of your organization’s email environment.
Contact Everconnect today and trust that your business will receive the highest level of expertise, ensuring that your employees can communicate effectively.
