Hosted Exchange Server Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, if you’re looking for a reliable email hosting solution with enterprise-level features, you might find hosted Exchange server a suitable option. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the pricing of hosted Exchange server, as well as some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in.

What is Hosted Exchange Server?

Simply put, hosted Exchange server is a cloud-based email hosting service that utilizes the Microsoft Exchange server software. With hosted Exchange server, you can access your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks from anywhere, using any device. The benefits of hosted Exchange server include better collaboration, increased productivity, and enhanced security.

How does Hosted Exchange Server Work?

Hosted Exchange server works by storing all your emails, contacts, and other data in a centralized location, called the Exchange server. When you send or receive an email, the server synchronizes the data across all your devices, so you can access it from anywhere. Additionally, hosted Exchange server offers a range of features, such as shared calendars, task lists, and mobile device management, that enable teams to work together more efficiently.

Why Choose Hosted Exchange Server?

There are many reasons why you might choose hosted Exchange server as your email hosting solution. Firstly, it offers enterprise-level features, such as advanced security, backups, and 24/7 support. Secondly, it allows you to access your email and other data from anywhere, using any device. Finally, it enables collaboration among team members, with features like shared calendars, contacts, and tasks.

Hosted Exchange Server Pricing Overview

When it comes to pricing, hosted Exchange server providers typically offer three main options: per mailbox/per month, per user/per month, and bundled pricing. Let’s take a closer look at each option below.

Per Mailbox/Per Month Pricing

Provider	Basic Plan	Advanced Plan	Premium Plan
Microsoft Office 365	$4/user/month	$8/user/month	$12/user/month
GoDaddy	$4.99/user/month	$5.99/user/month	$6.99/user/month
Rackspace	$10/user/month	$15/user/month	$20/user/month

Per mailbox/per month pricing is perhaps the most common pricing model for hosted Exchange server. With this pricing model, you pay a fixed fee per mailbox, regardless of the number of users. For example, if you have 5 users who each need their own mailbox, you would pay for 5 mailboxes. Most providers offer different plans based on the features and storage capacity you need.

Per User/Per Month Pricing

Provider	Basic Plan	Advanced Plan	Premium Plan
Intermedia	$7.99/user/month	$9.99/user/month	$14.99/user/month
AppRiver	$8.95/user/month	$12.95/user/month	$15.95/user/month
SherWeb	$4.95/user/month	$8.95/user/month	$12.95/user/month

Per user/per month pricing is another popular pricing model for hosted Exchange server. With this pricing model, you pay a fixed fee per user, regardless of the number of mailboxes. For example, if you have 5 users who need access to a shared mailbox, you would pay for 5 users. Most providers offer different plans based on the features and storage capacity you need.

Bundled Pricing

Some hosted Exchange server providers offer bundled pricing, which includes other services, such as SharePoint, Skype for Business, or OneDrive. Bundled pricing can be a good option if you need multiple services and want to save money.

Factors that Affect Hosted Exchange Server Pricing

While hosted Exchange server pricing can vary widely, there are a few factors that typically affect the cost:

Number of Users/Mailboxes

The number of users or mailboxes you need will directly affect the cost of your hosted Exchange server plan. Generally, the more users you have, the more expensive your plan will be.

Features and Storage Capacity

Most hosted Exchange server providers offer different plans with varying features and storage capacity. If you need advanced features, such as archiving or compliance, you’ll likely need a higher-tier plan, which will cost more. Similarly, if you need more storage capacity, you’ll typically need to pay more.

Contract Length

Some hosted Exchange server providers offer discounts if you sign up for a longer contract length, such as a year or more. If you’re willing to commit to a longer contract, you can often save money in the long run.

FAQ About Hosted Exchange Server Pricing

1. Is Hosted Exchange Server Pricing Monthly or Annual?

Most hosted Exchange server providers offer pricing on a monthly basis, although some offer annual plans as well. Be sure to check with your provider to see what options are available.

2. Is There a Minimum Number of Users Required?

Most hosted Exchange server providers do require a minimum number of users, typically between 5 and 10. However, some providers offer individual plans for smaller businesses or individuals.

3. What Happens If I Need to Add or Remove Users?

If you need to add or remove users from your hosted Exchange server plan, most providers offer a prorated pricing system. This means you’ll only be charged for the portion of the month that the user was active.

4. Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Most hosted Exchange server providers are transparent about their pricing and do not have any hidden costs. However, it’s always a good idea to read the fine print and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

5. Can I Switch Plans If I Need More Features or Storage?

Most hosted Exchange server providers allow you to switch plans if you need more features or storage capacity. However, be sure to check with your provider to see if there are any additional fees or restrictions.

Conclusion

In summary, hosted Exchange server can be a reliable and efficient email hosting solution for businesses of all sizes. When it comes to pricing, there are several options to choose from, including per mailbox/per month pricing, per user/per month pricing, and bundled pricing. Factors that can affect the cost include the number of users/mailboxes, features and storage capacity, and contract length. By understanding your needs and comparing different providers, you can find a hosted Exchange server plan that meets your requirements and fits your budget. Good luck!