Every now and then I would like to get the views of my readers on specific subjects.I really like receiving feedback about the site and perhaps most importantly Exchange Server :-) as it helps enhance what I am doing and indeed gives me ideas on subjects which I can ramble on about.

Therefore with this in mind I have introduced the new “Surveys” menu which is located in the left hand column of this site (at the moment – as (if) it grows I will need to move it elsewhere) – see below;

I do not want for the Surveys feature to be a marketing research gimmick, I do not supply data to companies – nor do I intend to – but as a tool to get the mood, feelings and thoughts of the people whom pass by on this site.

The surveys themselves do not keep any personally identifiable data about yourself – unless there is a question which requires it as part of the answer – all data such as this is kept strictly in line with my Data Protection – Privacy Disclaimer – Fair Processing Notice – which can be found in the “My Policy” Section of the site.

My first survey is entitled Exchange 2010 x32 Bit – as many of you are no doubt aware Microsoft have decided that Exchange 2010 will only be available in x64 form (and only x64) there will be no x32 bit version of the product for test labs, training or evaluation – the full low down is here: http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/05/19/451366.aspx

Now my own personal thoughts on this are a bit of a mixed bag to be honest – I can see that there is much benefit for the Exchange team focussing their efforts purely on one version of the product, and indeed it puts the product firmly in the 21st century and will no doubt encourage customers to leverage the inbuilt architecture which is inherent in all new CPU’s – however there are some issues that I can see:

• People whom have x64 capable CPU’s and are getting ready to evaluate – but will have to invest heavily in RAM and disk upgrades – do they upgrade or buy new just to test
• People whom have test labs with x64 capable CPU’s but no VT as part of the processor
• Companies whom have training labs which were typically based around a machine under each desk as the Exchange Server connected to a LAB Domain controller (typically the trainers machine) – the x32 bit version was idea for these scenarios – it didn’t expire and didn’t require so much processing / RAM to get the lessons done
• People whom just want to download a copy for evaluation / personal knowledge gain – now have to have much better kit – therefore an investment

Anyhow – you might agree with me, or disagree – but I would love to find out.

So if you have a spare two minutes – please feel free to take the survey!

Cheers