Please realize that while we are still configuring this software, some of the features mentioned below have not been implemented yet. We are still using the same login process as we have used in the past (example). (rlg 4/2005)

During the week of 3/28/05-4/01/05, the web page for starting Outlook Web Access (OWA) received a face-lift.  Besides some cosmetic differences, you will have two new radio button options to choose from under Client and Security which are explained in more detail below.

Exchange 2003 allows for two different Client experiences when using OWA - Premium and Basic.  OWA is able to recognize the web client you are using and only present the experiences that your browser can fully utilize.  If you have a web browser that supports the full feature set available in the Premium client then both options will be available to you.  Web browsers that do not support the premium experience will automatically be given the Basic experience. 

Additionally, for Security reasons OWA is set to "time-out" more quickly if you are in a public lab or kiosk location.  By default, OWA will continue to log you out automatically after 10-15 minutes of inactivity (TIP:  Save long messages you are composing every 5-8 minutes to tell OWA you are still active).  You will now also have the option to tell OWA that you are working on a private computer so the inactivity period will be 24 hours before you are logged out.  Only use the Private computer option if you are using OWA on your home of office computer.  If you are using OWA in a public venue and forget to log off you might run the risk of someone else accessing your account if you don't use the default option for Public or shared computer.

Additional information about the new Client experience can be found below.

How is the Client experience different from the OWA I've been using?
Since we upgraded to OWA 2003 in March 2005, OWA has been set to automatically choose either the Premium or Basic experience based on your web browser's capabilities.  So if you have a Basic client, you will see no difference in how OWA operates or the options available to you.  However, if you have a Premium experience web browser, then you will have the option of using the Premium (that you have been using by default since April) or the Basic experience.

Why would I choose to use the Basic client if I can use the Premium client?
The Basic client has less features, so it is more streamlined and generally faster to use.  If you are accessing the internet over a dial-up or slow connection then the Basic client might be a better choice than the Premium client.

What features do I gain with the Premium client?
Click here for a full list of the differences between the feature sets.

What web browser do I need for the different experiences?

Outlook Web Access Premium

Outlook Web Access Premium is designed for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later. Outlook Web Access Premium includes all Outlook Web Access features, including the new enhanced features for Exchange 2003. Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 is required for some features.

Outlook Web Access Basic

Outlook Web Access Basic is designed to work in browsers that support the HTML 3.2 and the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) script standards.  All Mac web browsers use the Basic experience.  It provides a subset of the features available in Outlook Web Access Premium.

• Internet Explorer 5 (or higher)
• Features for other common web browsers