If you currently use e-mail outside FMHI resources, say through another USF college, you can continue to use those resources, as the conversion would not apply to you in the first place. All FMHI e-mail account holders are expected to be converted within the next three months which means you can expect to be converted before the end of December 2000. Exchange Administrator Vicki Andrews is currently working with key department heads to establish a more precise schedule for individual departments. Several departments have already been converted and have been working on Exchange for some time. These include the dean's office and Mental Health Law and Policy.
Exchange is bigger, better, and a heckuvalot more contemporary.
More specifically, Exchange provides much better e-mail virus protection. It allows FMHI to centralize protection against internet worms and other malicious bots that have plagued our helpless HAL system in the past. After the adjustment period, Exchange is simply more convenient. There are a plethora of power features users can take advantage of right away. Group calendaring, for example, allows users in a group to all view and work off a common schedule.