Introduction to Outlook Web app

One, what is Outlook Web App
Outlook Web Access, referred to as OWA, is a Web Access feature of a managed postoffice based on Microsoft hosted Exchange technology. By accessing the Outlook Web access page, the mailbox user does not need to install the Outlook 2007 client software, directly using a Web browser to read or send e-mail through the Internet, manage their calendar address book, tasks, and other co-office functions. Microsoft hosted Exchange technology-based managed postoffice for Outlook Web Access has the address http://mail. your domain name.
Exchange provides support for a variety of protocols, including POP3, SMTP, IMAP4, NNTP, and HTTP, and Microsoft uses the HTTP protocol to access Exchange methods called OWA, all referred to as Outlook Web Access, and then renamed Outlook Web App.

Second, Microsoft official explanation
Exchange Server always provides state-of-the-art technology to help users manage the large number of messages they receive. From the introduction of AJAX Technology (the foundation of modern Web-based applications) to the integration of multiple communication patterns, such as voice mail and e-mail, Exchange helps users manage large volumes of communications while consolidating them into a common inbox accessible from anywhere on the Internet.
Exchange Server 2010 continues the innovation cycle by allowing users to consolidate their e-mail, voice mail, instant messaging, text messages, and more in one place and through any major Web browser. With Outlook Web Access, users have a rich Outlook experience on the Web that enables them to view communications in a session environment, rather than just scattered messages, helping them process the bulk of messages they receive each day.
Exchange Server 2010 Displays status data so that users can see if others are next to the computer, so they know whether to send e-mail, make a call, send an instant message, or send a text message, all of which can be done directly in Outlook Web app. Users can communicate in the most convenient way and receive all messages in one place for easy retrieval, archiving, and searching.
Outlook Web App provides the following benefits for clients that access the Exchange messaging infrastructure by using Outlook 2010, Outlook 2007, or Outlook 2003:
(1). Users can access the Exchange server remotely over the Internet.
(2). You can use the same URLs and namespaces that are used by Outlook Web App and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.
(3). You can use the same Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) server certificate that is used by Outlook Web App and Exchange ActiveSync.
(4). The Exchange server cannot be accessed by an unauthenticated Outlook request.
(5). You can access the Exchange server over the Internet without using a virtual private network (VPN).
(6). When using SSL session ID load Balancing with Outlook Anywhere on the Client Access server, you do not have to make any configuration in Exchange 2010.
(7). If you have used Outlook Web App or Exchange ActiveSync with SSL, you do not need to open any other ports from the Internet.
(8). By using the Test-outlookconnectivity cmdlet, you can test end-to-end client connections and TCP-based connections for Outlook Anywhere.

Third, Outlook Web app support features
1. Conversation View
By grouping messages from one session together, the new Conversation view enables users to quickly identify recent messages and series responses. The conversation view is persisted even if individual e-mail messages are located in different folders in the mailbox. Exchange can process an entire set of messages as a single session and can be managed, ignored, moved, and deleted as a whole. New messages that are part of the old session are automatically placed in the folder that you defined for the session, even if the session has been deleted or ignored.

2. Multi-browser support
Users can gain the same superior Outlook Web app advanced experience in Internet Explorer 7 and later, in Firefox 3 and later, and in Safari 3 and above. Regardless of which major Web browser your organization supports, users can get the superior Outlook Web app experience they need.

3. Single-page mail
Outlook Web App 2010 no longer has more than one page. All messages are on one page, and no matter how big the folder is, you can scroll through each message in your mailbox without having to page back and forth. Users can effectively access messages and scan sessions to find the communication they need.

4. Nickname Cache
The nickname cache stores the recipient's e-mail address and provides a list of suggested names when entering a new address, helping users quickly fill out e-mail addresses. The AutoFill list itself shrinks automatically as the user enters more letters for the recipient's name, and can be combined to cache recipients of e-mail messages sent from clients such as Outlook Web app and Outlook Mobile.

5. Filters
You can easily apply filters from the Easy drop-down menu with common options.

6. Search
With advanced queries, the search feature in Outlook Web app is more powerful than it is available. Users can use the From:, To:, Attachments:, and many other search terms to specify filter criteria to find target messages. In addition, you can save your favorite searches and access them with a single mouse click to speed up access to information.

7. View shared calendars and contacts
Outlook Web app in Exchange Server 2010 enables users to view shared calendars and contacts so that they can view user schedules and availability within and outside the organization.

8. View/Set Status
The user's contact list is displayed in the Outlook Web app as a color indicator, allowing the user to see if the contact can chat. This status display indicates the best way to communicate to get the information you need. Users can see other people's status, and can set their own status so that other users on the network know they can chat.

9. Instant Messaging (IM)
Outlook Web app's clients contain instant messaging functionality. Administrators can choose to connect the feature to Office Communications Server (onsite) or Windows live Messenger Service (hosted). With the presence of other users, employees can quickly decide whether they should send an email or simply send an instant message for a quick response.

10. SMS Synchronization
Exchange ActiveSync can send and receive text messages from Outlook and Outlook Web apps. Incoming messages sent to a user's mobile device via EAS can be viewed in a frequently used SMS location and in an email inbox.

Iv. use of the Outlook Web app FAQ
If the default Web site is configured correctly, then we can proceed to the next step in resolving the OWA issue, confirming that Exchange's virtual folders are working properly.
Go back to the main interface of IIS, and then expand the Default Web Site container, right-click the Exchange folder under Default Web site, and then select Properties, virtual directory, application settings. Again, make sure there's a "remove" button, or you'll need to click the "Create" button to create an application and name it "Exchange".
Then select the Directory Security tab on the Properties menu and click the Edit button in the authentication and access control section to ensure that the Enable anonymous access and Integrated Windows Authentication check boxes are selected.
Finally, switch to the Documents tab and make sure that the Enable Default content pages check box is selected and Logon.asp at the top of the document list. If Logon.asp is not at the top of the list, check to see if the file exists in the list, and if so, select it and then click the Up button to move it to the top of the list, or click Add if it doesn't exist. button and enter Logon.asp, and then move it to the top of the list by using the method above. Move to the top of the list.

Introduction to Outlook Web app