I would like to deploy new MS Surface Pro 2s (SP2s) installed with Windows 8.1 and MS Office 2013. I will keep these outside the corporate firewall so that users can install non company standard apps (as they currently do on iPads). However, unlike with iPads, they can enjoy a fully featured MS Office experience for work related activities. However, the key ‘connection’ they will have to the corporate systems will be email.
I am responsible for my local office’s IT infrastructure which is limited to LAN connected desktops and a local domain for file and print services. Our Exchange environment recently was migrated to our HQ.
I have encountered a roadblock with corporate IT. I would like to use Outlook 2013 on the SP2s connecting via Outlook Anywhere when working remotely (as we do with existing company issued laptops). Corporate IT will only permit an Activesync connection, as is used with company issued iPads. I believe that Outlook 2013 will not work with Activesync which would require us to use the (sadly disappointing) Windows8.1 email client – it won’t be a great experience for our users.
I have countered various arguments regarding ActiveSync benefits (remote wipe, forced encryption, forced passwords) but have encountered one argument that I can’t readily answer. Corporate IT insist that their Exchange environment is more vulnerable if a user’s SP2 is connected to Exchange via Outlook Anywhere rather than Activesync and it becomes compromised by a virus, Trojan or other hack (by using personal apps such as Skype, iTunes, games, etc.).
I can’t find a definitive answer, in my searching, that compares the vulnerability of the enterprise Exchange server when connecting to compromised clients via Outlook Anywhere rather than ActiveSync.
Can anyone help as well as direct me to a MS issued paper that answers this in a manner that corporate IT, or I, can’t refute?
I am responsible for my local office’s IT infrastructure which is limited to LAN connected desktops and a local domain for file and print services. Our Exchange environment recently was migrated to our HQ.
I have encountered a roadblock with corporate IT. I would like to use Outlook 2013 on the SP2s connecting via Outlook Anywhere when working remotely (as we do with existing company issued laptops). Corporate IT will only permit an Activesync connection, as is used with company issued iPads. I believe that Outlook 2013 will not work with Activesync which would require us to use the (sadly disappointing) Windows8.1 email client – it won’t be a great experience for our users.
I have countered various arguments regarding ActiveSync benefits (remote wipe, forced encryption, forced passwords) but have encountered one argument that I can’t readily answer. Corporate IT insist that their Exchange environment is more vulnerable if a user’s SP2 is connected to Exchange via Outlook Anywhere rather than Activesync and it becomes compromised by a virus, Trojan or other hack (by using personal apps such as Skype, iTunes, games, etc.).
I can’t find a definitive answer, in my searching, that compares the vulnerability of the enterprise Exchange server when connecting to compromised clients via Outlook Anywhere rather than ActiveSync.
Can anyone help as well as direct me to a MS issued paper that answers this in a manner that corporate IT, or I, can’t refute?