1.  What is your Support Policy?

Check the fine print. Many Microsoft Exchange Server® providers do not offer 24/7 emergency support for their services. MailStreet engineers are constantly monitoring network traffic and server usage for possible problems.  We get many customers who switch from other ISPs – who were charged for support to setup their mailboxes or were unable to actually reach a live support rep by phone.   We pride ourselves on our personalized, professional support. We will do our best to make your transition to Hosted Exchange. If you are having trouble, we can even setup a “GotoMyPC® Session” where we actually troubleshoot your problems, across the Internet. If you are having trouble you can reach us via our Toll-Free number, online-chat or email.

2.  How do you License Microsoft Exchange Server?

Did you know that it’s illegal for companies to host Microsoft Exchange server for commercial purposes unless they have a signed Microsoft ASP License agreement (SPLA)?   Be sure that the company you choose is a Microsoft Certified Partner and has this agreement in place before choosing an Exchange provider.  With MailStreet, you can rest assured that your Exchange service is fully licensed and compliant.   Our low $9.95 mailbox fee includes all licensing for both Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and Microsoft Outlook® 2003.

3.  Do you run Microsoft Exchange Server 2003?

For businesses outsourcing their Exchange services, Microsoft Exchange 2003® offers many advantages over Exchange versions 2000 and 5.5. In addition to advances in the Microsoft Outlook Web Access® client, Exchange 2003 allows for a “Single URL” access to Outlook, Outlook Web Access and to a Mobile Device such as a Pocket PC® or SmartPhone®. Because Exchange 2003 runs over HTTP, the protocol can now be easily encrypted without a VPN and will also work around firewalls! (note: this feature requires Windows XP and Outlook 2003) Exchange Server 2003 is now available.

4.  How much is additional storage space?

Outlook users will often have large mailboxes that grow and grow over time. Be sure to ask your hosting provider the full costs for additional disk space. MailStreet offers the lowest storage pricing in the business. Additional space is $5.95/Month per 100MB and $49.95/Month per gigabyte. Note, it is possible to divide up gigabyte purchases into multiple 100MB blocks for multiple users or public folders.

5.  What is your Service Guarantee?

Ask your provider what their guarantee is for service uptime. MailStreet will make every effort to provide each customer with 99.9% uptime for the MailStreet Hosted Microsoft Exchange 2003 service. Uptime is calculated on a monthly basis based on the total number of hours in a given month, minus any schedule maintenance divided by the total number of hours in said month.

6.  How do you protect your customers against computer viruses?

Did you know that 98% of all computer viruses are transmitted via email?  Be sure that your Exchange provider is scanning AND deleting any infected attachments and message bodies.   Our Microsoft Exchange servers are all monitored for virus and hacker attacks.   Using a variety of specialized network monitoring tools and anti-virus software, we go the extra mile to ensure your MailStreet account is safe and running smoothly.  We are proud to use Trend Micro for anti-virus protection on all of our MailStreet hosted accounts.

7.  Are there any hidden setup fees? Can I try the service for free?

Make sure that there are no hidden “catches” with your provider.   MailStreet offers a no-obligation 30 day trial of the service as well as NO setup fees for all shared single-domain MailStreet accounts.   (Note: the optional wireless services may require an activation fee.)
 

8.  Where do you host your servers? Do you own and operate your own equipment?

When outsourcing your mail and collaboration services, it’s crucial that your provider has strong Internet connectivity.  All Exchange 2003 servers have "Blended Bandwidth" using nine Internet carriers. What this means is that when you connect to the MailStreet service, you will be routed to the system via the most efficient connection available.  When choosing an Exchange provider, make sure they also own and operate their own equipment and aren’t “Reselling” someone else’s service.  Many advertised Exchange Hosting services are actually reselling another company's services and may not be able to provide you the full support you need. All of our MailStreet servers are hosted in the Nap of the Americas, a carrier-neutral facility and we own and operate all of our equipment and licensing.

9.  How do you backup your Exchange Server Data?

Our engineers have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan including nightly backups to a Network NAS device, then copied to magnetic tapes stored remotely.  We keep 14 days of backups and 15 days of deleted items.   This approach provides the ultimate in security and peace of mind for all MailStreet clients.

10.  Are your customers happy?

The numbers speak for themselves.   MailStreet has an exceptional 95.4% customer retention rate for all free trial accounts.

If you would like more information about MailStreet, the premier hosted Microsoft Exchange Service, you can explore this site, or call us at 1-866-433-8787 x1.   You can also sign up for a FREE 30 day trial of the service by clicking here