Pramodh Maheshwar - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Systems Engineer - Wintel at a tech vendor with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Efficient management and stable solution
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is just a standard process."
  • "The licensing can be on the expensive side, especially in the cloud space."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case is to support client environments. We need to check if everything is working fine if the email flows are fine, and if any certificates need to be renewed. Those are the system admin jobs that we do as system engineers.

What is most valuable?

The console has everything we need for management. We use all the available features. Every feature available in the management console is sufficient for us to manage.

All those features within the management, the exchange management, whether it's the shell management or the console management, are sufficient by themselves for the versions of the PUs. They keep changing the versions with every update, and they also add feature updates to the consoles. So that also keeps upgrading. So, the solution keeps improving. 

The best part is Microsoft EOP also includes publishing management, more inclusive with Exchange and all SharePoint and everything as well. So, they have partial modules for each Exchange and SharePoint. So that is a good thing as well. We can now manage things through partial. It could be done remotely as well. You don't have to sit on the server. It could also be on a jumpbox and just shell into it directly to an exchange server and manage that exchange server.  

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using it since I started working, so it's been a while. So, I have been working with this solution since 2016. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is fairly stable. The stability depends on when there's an outage or issues. From the Microsoft standard, they have had some issues within, maybe if there are some vulnerabilities in use. If there are some rogue actors or somebody has compromised the Exchange servers or something, they've affected the Exchange server services in the past. So, they do send out information. You can obtain that information from their site, which states, "This is what has happened with the Exchange servers, or all the Exchange servers may be down at the moment." So, those sorts of outages are already reported. And if Microsoft detects them, they report it across all the platforms and communities, providing information through chat as well. So, some visibility is always there.

Stability also depends on the way you manage it, basically. It comes down to how well it's managed, set up, and managed for individual organizations at their sites. So, that's why we have server admins to see how it's managed.

If the server hardware is sufficient enough, if they have sufficient memory, or if they're properly supporting Microsoft EOP. The system requirements need to be fine-tuned. All the VMs hosted need enough memory, and there should be sufficient storage for the databases and such.

So, from Microsoft's point of view, the stability of Exchange as a product depends on the servers running based on our recommendations and specifications. So, it all hinges on the licensing the users have purchased from Microsoft. Unless there's an outage or a vicious attack, or some malicious attack on the service itself, which they report immediately, there aren't any significant issues.

So, I would rate the stability an eight out of ten.

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP)
April 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2024.
769,662 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten. Almost everyone in the company uses it, probably thousands of end users. We didn't encounter any problems with scalability. In fact, Microsoft provides recommendations on how to migrate to the cloud and such. So, everything is seamless. 

Even when configuring reserves, it automatically alerts you with exceptions and errors. Especially during mailbox migrations to the cloud, like stage migrations or batch migrations, it provides suggestions. For example, it might notify you that you're processing too many mailboxes at once based on their sizes and recommend reducing the quantity. These prompts are readily available. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We opted for this solution because most of the enterprises we have to support the basic applications we support. We are the 365 admins as well as Azure admins, and also in the on-prem environment. So we keep migrating mailboxes and chatboxes over, and sometimes, we have to do complete exchange migrations to the cloud. SharePoint migrations, we handle, as well as a server management team.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is just a standard process. You just need to follow the Microsoft documentation and send whichever you're very comfortable with your experience. For everything, there are articles and documentation with Microsoft. You just need to follow them, and it's just that you need to consider what your environment is and how to expand information about your current infrastructure. Based on that, you have to consider things while upgrading it or moving it across the cloud.

Some of them are completely cloud. Some of them are hybrid environments. They have a few on-premises for legacy printers and legacy applications. So, for SMTP communication and other stuff. But mostly, most of the users' mailboxes are on the cloud.

What about the implementation team?

The time taken for deployment depends on the size of the organization, how many mailboxes they have, and the main databases. There's no one standard procedure. It could range from a few hours for a small organization to weeks for a large organization.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The licensing can be on the expensive side, especially in the cloud space. They may not be the absolute most expensive option, but they are indeed on the higher end. However, that comes with a certain level of quality. It's like comparing Apple products to other phones in the market. For example, Apple iPhones and tablets are priced higher for a reason. They are known for their security and quality, which is why they can command a premium price.

And people are willing to pay that premium because they trust the brand.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate it nine out of ten because of its widespread usage and trust in the market at the enterprise level. Microsoft products, especially Exchange, are widely used and trusted. 

They have a significant presence, capturing a major share of the enterprise market. All their applications are widely used, whether it's for emails, databases, SQL, backups with OneDrive, cloud storage, or SharePoint, and more. They offer a suite of products for office tools. So, these are the commonly used tools in any organization, be it medium-sized, small, or even a small retailer. Given this, I would rate them a nine or ten because of their extensive market share, both globally and locally.

Microsoft's dependability and trust are a result of its long-standing presence in the industry. They've been in business for a significant amount of time.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner/customer
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Senior Network Associate at AMCON, Inc.
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Missing some crucial functionality for security, but otherwise is a great solution to start a business

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft Exchange Online Protection to secure our users' accounts. For example, we implement MFA on our users' emails to ensure their mailboxes or accounts are secured. Aside from providing the username and password, the solution provides a code or additional security to ensure their accounts are properly secured. We also used a phishing tool.

What needs improvement?

I want a seamless way of archiving users' emails on Exchange. When a user's emails are archived on the system, we find out their mailbox is large the moment we need to copy those files back. Another issue is with OneDrive, in that if a user has files stored on OneDrive when they exit, the license is removed. As a result, transferring those files to another user is a problem. It should be possible for there to be a central location where each of those files is stored. That way, even after a user leaves and the license is removed, we don't lose access to that information after 90 days.

The solution should protect mailboxes. Most of our users have emails on their mobile, so if a staff member exits from the corporation, we need something that mimics email on the mobile. Some tools delete all of a user's emails and passwords the moment they leave that environment or their employer, but I don't think Microsoft has any such tools. It's important because passwords and sensitive information could pass into the wrong people's hands.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the solution for the last two or three years now.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is very scalable. There are between 350 to 400 users using the solution. There are plans to increase the usage.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We used to use Google Mail before migrating to Exchange.

How was the initial setup?

It is straightforward to deploy the solution. It takes three hours or so to deploy it. We have five people managing the solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay licensing fees yearly.

What other advice do I have?

Earlier, we had Microsoft Exchange on-prem and then moved to 365.

I recommend the solution to other users because it is easy to start a business. I rate it a five out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP)
April 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP). Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2024.
769,662 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Reynaldo Ruiz Flores - PeerSpot reviewer
Self Employed, Freelance, Consultor, Sales - Learning Time at SpectralByte
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
It provides the same protection regardless of whether users are in the office
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning, so you don't need train it to detect something. The detection and response times are short. It's an excellent product."
  • "I would like to get reports about vulnerable connections from our clients with information about domains, public IPs, etc. That would be highly useful."

What is our primary use case?

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection protects remote and on-site users against email-based threats. 

How has it helped my organization?

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection guards against threats regardless of whether our users are in the office. If you receive an email with a malicious link, the solution will warn you against opening it. 

What is most valuable?

The solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning, so you don't need train it to detect something. The detection and response times are short. It's an excellent product.

What needs improvement?

Microsoft should publicize the solution more because it isn't well known. I appreciate the solution because it does a lot of things that I used to do manually. I didn't realize something like this existed. I went to Symantec, Trend Micro, and other providers, but Microsoft had the only solution to my problems. 

I would like to get reports about vulnerable connections from our clients with information about domains, public IPs, etc. That would be highly useful.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Microsoft Exchange Online Protection nine out of 10 for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate Microsoft Exchange Online Protection 10 out of 10 for scalability.

How are customer service and support?

I rate Microsoft support eight out of 10.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is easy to set up.

What was our ROI?

We have seen a return on our investment. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is fairly priced.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Microsoft Exchange Online Protection nine out of 10. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Mario Del Toro - PeerSpot reviewer
CyberSecurity Executive IAM Engineer at Tata Consultancy
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
An easy to setup solution that helps to manage special accounts
Pros and Cons
  • "You can use the product to create special accounts."
  • "We have experienced issues while migrating from on-prem to the cloud. The tool needs to improve its stability."

What is our primary use case?

I manage all the users and special accounts with the tool. 

What is most valuable?

You can use the product to create special accounts. 

What needs improvement?

We have experienced issues while migrating from on-prem to the cloud. The tool needs to improve its stability. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with the solution for more than ten years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the product's stability an eight out of ten. 

How are customer service and support?

My experience with the tech support team is good. 

How was the initial setup?

The product's setup is easy and quick. 

What about the implementation team?

We relied on a third-party to complete the deployment. 

What other advice do I have?

I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
System Administrator at STBV
Real User
Top 20
A highly stable solution that serves as a spam filter while protecting against viruses and malware attacks
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution's stability is very, very good. I didn't face any problems in the last year."
  • "It wasn't easy or intuitive enough for me to start using it. So, the reason was that the solution changed."

What is our primary use case?

We use our company's Microsoft Exchange Online Protection as a spam filter, virus protection, and malware protection.

What is most valuable?

I find the solution's filtering and malware protection features to be the most valuable ones.

What needs improvement?

Other users wish to see the encryption feature added to the solution in the future.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for three or four years. My company has used it for a longer time. Also, I don't remember the version of the solution I am using. My company is an end customer of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution's stability is very, very good. I didn't face any problems in the last year.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Between 50 and 100 users are using the solution in my company. At the moment, we have three administrators for the solution. Normally, I am the one working on the solution. I am not sure whether I am going to increase the solution's usage in the future. At the moment, we are still going strong with Microsoft Exchange Online Protection.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't contacted technical support. It has been a really long time since I contacted Microsoft technical support. So, it has been more than thirteen or fourteen years. I have no idea how it is today. A long time ago, it was very good.

How was the initial setup?

It was deployed long before I got over the task in my company, so I wasn't a part of the deployment process.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

My boss told me that he checked an alternative for Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, maybe because of the cost, which I am not sure. I don't know how much we pay for this. My boss looks after the payment part. So, Mimecast was the other solution he was considering as an alternative. Mimecast could be much more expensive or much cheaper, but I have no idea. So my boss asked me to check out Mimecast and see if there's any difference. In my opinion, there is no big difference between Microsoft Exchange Online Protection and Mimecast. They both are reliable and work quite well. As we are now running with Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for years, I don't see the need to switch over to Mimecast.

What other advice do I have?

I am satisfied with the overall product. It wasn't easy or intuitive enough for me to start using it. So, the reason was that the solution changed. I started to work with it shortly after it changed from the servers and changed to another part of Azure network. It was not quite easy, but it was okay for me since I'm used to such problems and switching over to other problems.

Our team was responsible for everything in our company, but since I started using Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, it's much easier for me as an administrator.

Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Francis Adesalu - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Administrator at WSTC Financial Services Limited
Real User
Top 5
Offering useful security features, like spam filtering and DNS spoofing, the tool needs to improve its spam policies
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup of Microsoft Exchange Online Protection was easy."
  • "The solution lacks to elaborate on its spam policies."

What is our primary use case?

My company uses Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for additional security, spam filtering, and DNS spoofing.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of the solution are the security and compliance it offers to users.

What needs improvement?

The solution lacks to elaborate on its spam policies. For improvement, spam policies need to be more elaborate.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for seven years. I use the solution's latest version. I am a customer of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a seven and a half out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product's availability is somewhat limited. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I contacted the solution's technical support in the past, and they quickly responded. I rate the technical support a nine out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Microsoft Exchange Online Protection was easy.

The solution is deployed on the cloud.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing for the solution depends on what you are trying to achieve with the use of the product, but I know that it is not a cheaply priced product. Yearly payments have to be made towards the licensing fees of the solution.

What other advice do I have?

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is a good product.

I rate the overall product a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Carlo Du Plessis - PeerSpot reviewer
Security Specialist at Engen
Real User
Top 5
Scans and protects emails, attachments, and URLs against threats and has good integration with Windows
Pros and Cons
  • "What I like most about Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is its integration with Windows, so we have one central view for all alerts and incidents."
  • "Having orchestration features added to Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, particularly automation and remediation, would be quite useful."

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for scanning and protecting email attachments and URLs. Primarily we use Mimecast for URL protection, but it's good to have a second step, particularly Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, just in case something slips through.

What is most valuable?

What I like most about Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is its integration with Windows, so we have one central view for all alerts and incidents.

What needs improvement?

I'm pretty happy with Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, so off the top of my head, I can't think of any reason for me to want to change something in the solution.

Having orchestration features added to Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, particularly automation and remediation, would be quite useful.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using Microsoft Exchange Online Protection for five or six years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is quite stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is a scalable solution.

How are customer service and support?

I haven't contacted technical support for Microsoft Exchange Online Protection.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before Microsoft Exchange Online Protection, we used Mimecast. We still use Mimecast, but for an antimalware solution, we've always used what's available on Windows.

How was the initial setup?

I didn't configure the solution, so I can't tell if the setup was straightforward or complex. Our Exchange administrators were the ones who set up Microsoft Exchange Online Protection.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented the solution in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Our license for Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is covered by our enterprise agreement.

What other advice do I have?

There are three thousand users of Microsoft Exchange Online Protection in our company. There is no plan to increase the number of users, at least not in the near future.

Microsoft Exchange Online Protection is quite a difficult product. I would recommend it because it's a good product. My advice to others looking into using it is to make sure their rules are configured correctly, and they have turned on all the necessary features.

I'm rating Microsoft Exchange Online Protection eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
MOHAMEDTRABELSI - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior infrastructure engineer at Cubic Information Systems
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Comes with a shared mailbox feature but needs to improve backup
Pros and Cons
  • "Microsoft EOP's most valuable feature is a shared mailbox."
  • "The solution needs to improve its backup."

What is most valuable?

Microsoft EOP's most valuable feature is a shared mailbox. 

What needs improvement?

The solution needs to improve its backup. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the tool's stability a ten out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Microsoft EOP is scalable. 

How was the initial setup?

The tool's deployment is straightforward. You need to get a license to use the product. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Microsoft EOP a ten out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: April 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP) Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.