Microsoft just released it’s quarterly software updates for Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange Server 2013. You can download the latest updates through the following links:

Exchange 2013 Cumulative Update 3

After some issues with Cumulative Update 2, which had to be pulled and re-released, Microsoft put more effort into testing and validating CU3 before releasing it to the public. That is one of the reasons why it took a little longer than expected for CU3 to be available. A good thing which hopefully pays of in a stable update without any (major) issues! CU3 introduces a bunch of new features to Exchange 2013, amongst which are:

  • Improved experience for Group Management in EAC
  • Integration with Online RMS for on-premises-only deployments
  • Improved Admin Audit Logging

As you can see, there’s quite some new – and interesting – stuff in CU3, which makes it definitely worth taking a closer look at. I’m particularly interested in finding out more about the RMS Online integration (which is a good thing!). Next to a bunch of new features, there are also some important bug fixes in CU3:

  • KB2888315 Event 2112 or 2180 is logged when you try to back up a database in an Exchange Server 2013 environment
  • KB2874216 Security issue that is described in Security Bulletin MS13-061 is resolved by an Exchange Server update
  • KB2902929 You cannot forward an external meeting request in an Exchange Server 2013 environment
  • KB2890814 No redirection to the Outlook Web App URL for Exchange Online users in an Exchange hybrid deployment
  • KB2883203 Exchange Server 2013 restarts frequently after Cumulative Update 2 is installed

A complete list of the most important bug fixes can be found here.

Deploying CU3

Deploying CU3 is similar to deploying previous CUs. Just like these previous CUs, CU3 also includes Active Directory schema updates. For more information on how to deploy a Cumulative Update, have a look at Paul Cunningham’s blog here.

How about Exchange 2013 Service Pack 1?

As a side-note to the release is that Microsoft previously announced that Exchange Server 2013 Cumulative Update 4 would be released as Service Pack 1. Taking the three-month cadence in which Cumulative Updates are expected to be released, puts Service Pack 1 to be released around the February/March 2014 timeframe – that is assuming the CU release cadence is respected. This is a little earlier than I anticipated, to be honest. I expected SP1 not to be released until at the Microsoft Exchange Conference in April (which – now I come to think of it is merely a month later). I, for one, am looking forward to “SP1”, usually this is a milestone that many companies wait for before deploying a new server product like Exchange. Traditionally, Service Packs were used to introduce a bucket of new features to the product along with some other improvements. Given that each Cumulative Update so far has added functionality, I wonder if SP1 (Cumulative Update 4) will generate the same impact as it has done with previous releases…

Exchange 2010 SP3 Update Rollup 3

This latest Update Rollup for Exchange 2010 Service Pack 3 contains a rather long list of bug fixes. Amongst these fixes, I found the following ones to stand out, mainly because I faced them a few times, myself:

  • KB2839533 RPC Client Access service freezes in an Exchange Server 2010 environment
  • KB2887609 Hybrid Configuration wizard does not display the Domain Proof of Ownership list in an Exchange Server 2010 SP3 environment

A complete list of the most important fixes, can be found here. (note: content of this link may not yet be available) Have fun!