How to open and use a shared mailbox in Outlook Web App (OWA)

When you access your Office 365 Outlook Web App http://outlook.office365.com (more commonly known as OWA) you will not have access to your shared mailbox folders by default and need to add these to your OWA profile.

To add the shared mailbox so it displays under your primary mailbox in Outlook Web App follow the below steps.

This method is recommended if you want to monitor the email from your primary mailbox and the shared mailbox at the same time. In addition, after you complete this task, the shared mailbox and its folders are displayed in the left navigation pane each time you open Outlook Web App.

– Sign in to your account in Outlook Web App.

– Right-click your primary mailbox in the left navigation pane, and then choose add shared folder. * Top tip – you may need to click on the ‘more’ button to expand your mailbox!

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– In the add shared folder dialog box, type the name or email address of the shared mailbox, and then click add.

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The shared mailbox displays in your Folder list in Outlook Web App. You can expand or collapse the shared mailbox folders as you can with your primary mailbox. You also can remove the shared mailbox from your Folder list.

– To remove it, right-click the shared mailbox, and then click delete.

 

To send email from the shared mailbox using Outlook Web App:

– Click new mail above the folder list. A new message form opens in the reading pane.

– Click the more options icon ( … ) and then select ‘Show From’. This option shows you that the people who receive the email message will see that it comes from the shared mailbox and not from your own email account. Simply type the address you wish the email to be sent as. NB you must have the ‘send as’ permission to be able to do this. If you do not please contact your Office 365 system administrator. The first time you enter the address Outlook Web App searches for that address. In the future, the name is cached so it resolves quickly.

– Complete the email and then send as normal.

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Support to End in July 2015

Microsoft Announce Server 2003 End of LifeMicrosoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of Windows Server 2003, after July 14th 2015. If you are still running Windows Server 2003, you need to take steps now to plan and execute a migration strategy to protect your infrastructure.

By migrating to Windows Server 2012 R2 essentials or Office 365, you can achieve concrete benefits, including improved performance, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased agility and speed of response to the business.

What Are The Risks?

Newly discovered security holes will remain available for cyber-criminals to exploit. That’s a big risk, as servers don’t just host a company’s private information, but also that of customers. And a company could face legal risks for not properly protecting that data.

What Happens If Systems Aren’t Upgraded?

The software will still work, but security vulnerabilities won’t be patched. As time goes on, the risk will get worse. As more and more unpatched vulnerabilities are discovered, criminals will exploit these – causing disruption and usually unexpected financial cost.

This year alone, Microsoft has issued 32 security patches for its Windows Server operating systems.

Moving Into the Cloud

We currently offer a range of cloud computing services to businesses in Aberdeen, Scotland and throughout the UK. For the majority of businesses, a move to Microsoft Office 365 will deliver all the Office applications you know and use on a daily basis, with ongoing updates, additional software such as Microsoft Skype for Business, and a reliable cloud based email platform.

We would typically recommenced combining Office 365 with a cloud storage solution for company files. There are a number of benefits of using cloud storage, including automated backups, access from anywhere with an internet connection and file revisions should you need to restore a file which has been accidentally deleted.

However, full cloud migration may not be an option for every business using Microsoft Windows Server 2003. There are situations where a business will need to maintain an onsite server to take advantage of active directory in order to provide users with varying access permissions for files and folders.

Microsoft Server 2012 R2 Essentials is also a viable option when used in combination with Office 365 for those wishing to upgrade from Server 2003 and maintain an on site infrastructure with the same file and folder permissions for users, with the added peace of mind and hassle free managed that using a cloud solution for email and applications provides.

If your business is currently using Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and you’d like some advice on upgrade options, why not get in touch and arrange a consultation. Complete our contact form, or call our Aberdeen office number on (01224) 914800.

‘Blueprint’ Training and Certification Program for Facebook

facebook-like-blueprint-patent-001-630x472Facebook has recently unveiled it’s Blueprint training and certification program. Blueprint is a new program that helps train agencies, partners and marketers on the best practices for advertising and marketing campaigns.

Our web developer, Craig Simpson, has successfully completed all 35 training modules covering a broad range of topics including managing ads, advertising objectives, targeting, campaign optimization, audience engagement and more.

More and more businesses are starting to advertise on Facebook, using it to promote their products, services and businesses to real people. On Facebook, unlike Google Adwords, it doesn’t matter what users are searching for, all that matters is who your customers are. You’re talking directly to real people with real interests, hobbies and jobs – not keywords.

Gain An Edge Over Your Competitors

As powerful as Facebook’s advertising platform is, it’s surprising how many businesses are still not using it, or at least not properly. As a result, if your competitors aren’t advertising, you gain a fantastic advantage and an opportunity to win business you might have otherwise lost out on.

We can help create engaging advertising and market your business on mobile and desktop devices. Using Ad Manager and Insights we can track your advertising spend, evaluate what’s working and what isn’t, and make informed choices that will bring value to your business.

If you’d like to know more about our web design services, or how we can help with your Facebook marketing, get in touch with us. Complete our contact form, or call our Aberdeen office number on (01224) 914800.

Three Simple Ways to Bring Trust and Credibility to Your Website

trust-credibility-whiteIf you want website visitors to interact with your business online, there are a few very straightforward ways to instantly build trust and credibility. A recent study by Huff Industrial Marketing and KoMarketing, signposted the following factors as being crucial to your success online.

Thorough Contact Information

More than 90% of individuals surveyed said that thorough contact information was a “must have” or “very important”. Placing your full office address, telephone number and email address on your website gives your visitor the instant security that you’re a legitimate business, and that if they have any problems they can visit you in person.

About Us Page & Team Bios

Adding engaging content to your About Us page, and letting your audience see the faces behind your business can help to build credibility and build a better relationship with your website visitors. Give team bios a more personal feel to build trust and let visitors connect with your staff on a personal and professional level.

Client List & Testimonials

Showing your website visitors that you’ve worked with reputable businesses, or someone from their local area, gives them an instant feeling of trust and credibility in your business. Ths trust and credibility will increase exponentially if you’re able to demonstrate, through customer testimonials, that you’ve performed good work.

Planning what your website says about your business is a key step in our web design process. We’ll help you write engaging content that turns your visitors into customers. Contact us to find out more.