Microsoft has released updates for Exchange Server 2013, 2010, and 2007 as part of their quarterly release cadence. The 2007 and 2010 RUs are bug fixes to the product and not introducing new features (well techincally 2007 a few) while the Service Pack for 2013 adds a load of function and features. Like all past updates and future updates the download is huge as it is the entire bit-set rolled up into the distributable so don’t be alarmed to see a 1.53GB file coming down the pipe.
Information regarding the releases and new features may be found on the TechNet Exchange blogs and the links to the downloads may be found below. The TAP program these past few go-arounds have included the Exchange MVPs as well as external client which means the most critical set of eyes were looking at this 2013 release.
Released: Exchange Server 2013 Service Pack 1
Released: Update Rollup 5 for Exchange 2010 Service Pack 3 and Update Rollup 13 for Exchange 2007 Service Pack 3
Windows Server 2012 R2 and Database Availability Groups
Microsoft Lync Server 2013 has been designed to be a simple install and it is not unusual that the install is not what the client is looking for. Too often an install happens without ever considering the multitude of polices that exist allowing the client to control the features and configuration of Lync. Sure, the client, conferencing, and external policies are looked at but what about the call park configuration or mobility policy and all the others?
Understandably there is confusion as there are tons of polices, options, and configuration that should be reviewed. It does not mean that the defaults need to be changed just simple they should be reviewed. To assist me in the process I have created an Excel template that lists the common policies I review and (for both client and my sake) the explanations of the options placed into comments. While this is not an exhaustive list, it is a great place to start the discussion with clients and yourself when designing a Lync system. Remember – it is always easier to take away/disable features before the users have it.