Glossary
This glossary for Microsoft Exchange may cover many specific terms and concepts that are essential for understanding and making effective use of the service. Here is a selection of key terms:
Microsoft Exchange
An email and calendar server that enables users to send, receive and store emails, as well as manage calendars and contacts.
Exchange Server
The Microsoft server software that is installed in an enterprise environment and provides the core functionalities of Exchange.
Exchange Online
The cloud-based version of Exchange, which is offered as part of Microsoft 365 and provides email services via the internet.
Mailbox
A storage location on an Exchange server that contains a user’s emails, calendar entries, contacts, tasks and other data.
Public Folder
A feature in Exchange that enables the sharing of emails, calendar entries and other information within an organisation.
Outlook Web App (OWA)
A web-based email client interface that allows access to Exchange mailboxes via a web browser.
Exchange ActiveSync
A protocol that enables the synchronisation of emails, calendars, contacts and tasks between Exchange servers and mobile devices.
Database Availability Group (DAG)
A system for ensuring high availability and data recovery for Exchange mailbox databases.
Transport regulations
Rules that can be configured on the Exchange server to control the flow of emails within and outside the organisation.
Exchange Management Console (EMC)
A graphical user interface used to manage Exchange servers.
Exchange Management Shell
A command-line interface based on PowerShell, used to automate Exchange administration tasks.
Global Address List (GAL)
A central address list containing all users, groups and contacts in an Exchange organisation.
Connectors
Configurations in Exchange that control how emails are sent to and received from other email systems.
Mailbox server role
A role on an Exchange server that is responsible for hosting mailbox databases and providing calendar and contact information.
Client Access Server (CAS) role
A server role in Exchange that handles all client connections to the Exchange server, including email clients and web access.