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Microsoft retools e-mail software

The company issues an update for its widely used Exchange Server 2000, with new features for Outlook and administrative tools for managers of the software.

Microsoft issued an update Wednesday for its widely used Exchange Server 2000 e-mail system, with new features for Outlook and administrative tools for managers of the software.

Microsoft occasionally updates its software with so-called service packs that are intended to plug holes in software or otherwise offer small improvements on an ongoing basis.

New features for Outlook include additional views for the Web-based version of the e-mail program's calendar feature and support for pop-up window reminders for things like meetings. For network administrators, Microsoft has added new migration tools, improved communication with the company's Active Directory technology, and implemented better e-mail message tracking.

Microsoft competes with various Unix- and Linux-based e-mail systems, and with IBM's Lotus Notes software.

Microsoft Exchange has grown with accompanying use of the Redmond, Wash.-based company's Windows NT and 2000 server-based operating system, which leads in market share for PC-based server systems, according to technology researcher IDC.

Microsoft had problems earlier this year with security holes in its Exchange e-mail server, adding to a litany of woes involving hacker attacks and its Outlook e-mail client for PCs.

The new Service Pack 2 for Exchange server 2000 is available for download on Microsoft's Web site.