Microsoft yesterday released the beta version of its Service Pack (SP) for Exchange Server 2007 to members of its Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet subscribers.

The company said that Exchange Server 2007 SP 1 would boast support for Windows Server 2008 and Vista; enhanced integration with Office Communications Server 2007; improved availability as a result of continuous replication functionality; and tighter security through its new Forefront Security for Exchange Server SP1.

"With the new service pack, we have zeroed in on several areas of investment … including support for Microsoft’s next-generation platforms and improved mobile device management," added Terry Myerson, general manager for Exchange Server at Microsoft.

The company said the beta has already been tested by over 150,000 users and will now be made available for download by almost a million MSDN and TechNet members.

Microsoft said that the product was also still on track for general availability before the end of the year.