It is a webmail service by Microsoft to access Outlook mail client account when used in conjunction with Exchange Server. It was originally named as Exchange Web Connect, then Outlook Web Access and finally Outlook Web App. However, it is better known as OWA. It was introduced with Exchange version 5.0. The app is developed to have 'anywhere access' of Outlook data items, with the assistance of just a web browser and Internet connection on a computer system; without having the need to install Outlook and remain stuck to a single desktop PC. It is very useful for organizations as it provides work access to employees everywhere even when away from office on move. In this way the productivity of business or enterprise where Exchange has been setup improves.
It's Use And Functionality - OWA supports S/MIME and includes characteristics with the help of which all data items such as emails, calendars, contacts, tasks, documents and other content in the mailbox can be accessed and managed. With each new version of server environment facilities in OWA has been improved. This can be proved from the fact that in Exchange 2007 edition, read-only access to documents that are stored within MS Share Point is provided which was not present in versions earlier to 2007.
Unlike Outlook, OWA does need Internet connectivity to the Server for users to work with. Moreover it neither restricts the use of browser nor operating system which is present in Outlook. Without doubt it can be concluded that OWA is a valuable app for people who are on move, want remote access and use platform other that Windows such as UNIX and Apple. This is because the app utilizes web browsers and not desktops to open Outlook.
For e.g., for mail server https://smtp.ovewriter.com, its OWA address becomes https://smtp.ovewriter.com/exchange. Here, HTTPS is the secured version of the normal HTTP web protocol.
Requirements to use OWA Full Version
Note – If standard versions of web browsers are not used then the OWA light gets opened up, which does not provide all the features.
OWA Light Version – OWA Light is limited to certain features only. It can be used to send/receive mails, manage contacts, manage calendar and to set certain limited options.
Fig. 1: OWA Interface – Similar to Outlook
Similarity - Organizations prefer to design OWA similar to Outlook. This is to provide ease to users as OWA is just an online form of Outlook desktop mail program. Almost all features of Outlook are rendered such as mails, contacts, calendars, tasks, reminders, etc. Similarity between the two is clear from the figure 1 shown above.
Difference - The difference is that in OWA, menu bar is not rendered across the top. However, most of the functionalities that are available in the menu bar of Outlook are located elsewhere in OWA.
Note - If any characteristic is not found in rest of the page, 'Options' tab should be clicked which is located at bottom left corner of the OWA Window. When Option button is clicked upon, Options page opens up.
Fig. 2: OWA Interface – Similar to Outlook
The Mail screen is separated into three panes that are:
Sections of OWA
Fig.3: OWA Interface – Similar to Outlook
Usually OWA contains the main sections of Outlook for various purposes, such as mentioned below:
What does 'option page' Include?
Fig. 4: Options Page of OWA
The page furnishes users with preference to create signatures, set Out of office reply, and change/alter several things such as:
Note - The selection tab can be clicked upon to access the various tools of OWA.
The table below shows a comparison between Outlook Web App web service of Exchange and Outlook desktop mail program.
Features | OWA | Outlook |
Browser Required | Yes | No |
Only Windows OS | No | Yes |
Internet Required | Yes | No |
Works only on desktop | No | Yes |
Outlook installation and configuration | No | Yes |
Special Configuration | No (Enabled by default with installation of Exchange ) | Needs to be installed and configured |
From the page it can be found that Outlook Web App serves a vital purpose in accessing Outlook Exchange client server mailboxes from anywhere. With this added feature in Exchange it has become quite useful for establishments to maintain productivity as well as expand business quickly. This is because employees can remain connected with each other and carry on with work even when on move.