Microsoft on Monday released test versions of its Exchange Server 2007 e-mail managing software and a security package designed to complement it.
The Redmond, Washington, computer software behemoth expected to have fine-tuned final versions of Exchange Server 2007 and Forefront Security for Exchange on the market by early next year.
"Today we enter the home stretch of delivering an unparalleled messaging solution, providing our customers with a cost-effective way to meet their most challenging messaging needs including compliance management and protection against constantly evolving security threats," said Dave Thompson, corporate vice president of the Exchange Business Unit at Microsoft.
Exchange Server 2007 improves security, privacy and efficiency for the program, which is used to manage e-mail and calendars, according to Microsoft.
Forefront Security for Exchange used advanced tools to fight computer viruses, worms and unwanted mass e-mailings called spam, to provide online protections "needed in the world today," according to Thompson.
Test versions of Exchange Server 2007 can be downloaded from Microsoft websites.
