Outlook Anywhere is one of the very popular features in Exchange Server 2007. It allows Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003 clients to connect to Exchange Server over the Internet by using RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) over HTTP. Actually, Outlook Anywhere used to be known as RPC over HTTP in Exchange Server 2003 and we have already demonstrated some of the most common scenarios:
– How to Configure RPC over HTTPS in Exchange Server 2003, running on a Domain Controller
– How to Configure RPC over HTTPS in Exchange Server 2003, SP1 or higher. Exchange and Domain Controller/Global Catalog running on separate servers

The main benefits from Outlook Anywhere are :
– Remote access to Exchange Server over the Internet
– You can use the same URL that you use for Outlook Web Access (and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync)
– You can use the same SSL certificate implemented for Outlook Web Access and Exchange ActiveSync
– Unauthenticated requests from Outlook cannot access Exchange Server
– No need for VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access Exchange Server across the Internet

In addition, the RPC over HTTP implementation in Exchange Server 2007 – Outlook Anywhere, allows a much easier and fully automated client configuration, in case you are using Outlook 2007. As you can see in the demonstration bellow, all that is required is, to provide your e-mail address, username, and password. Outlook 2003 clients should be configured manually and we demonstrate this too.

It is important to note, that the easiest scenario is when you are using a Multiple Domain (UCC) SSL certificate on your Exchange Server (installing UCC in Exchange 2007 is demonstrated here) and we start with it. The scenarios, when you are using a Single Name SSL Certificate (How to Install a Single Name GoDaddy SSL Certificate in Exchange Server 2007) and Self Signed SSL certificate require additional steps and will be demonstrated in separate Screencasts.

In our demo, we are using a Single Exchange Server 2007 installed on a Windows Server 2008.

Step 1 We start by installing the RPC over HTTP Proxy on our Exchange server. Then, we enable Outlook Anywhere and check the result in event log.

Step 2 Next, we configure autodiscover record in the external DNS server for our domain and perform Autodiscover Connectivity tests.

Step 3 In this step, we demonstrate the configuration of an Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003 client.

Step 4 Finally, you can see a quick demonstration of the use of autodiscover service when auto configuring Outlook E-mail on a mobile device.