Windstream Hosted Exchange Review

Windstream includes unlimited mailbox storage space, a 50 MB attachment size, AD Sync, Active Sync, public folders, and retention and wireless policies for both their Standard and Premier plans. Additional features include resource mailboxes, shared calendars and contacts, Blackberry support, email archiving, email disclaimers, Microsoft Outlook licenses, Lync Standard, and Skype For Business. Overall, a more robust than average set of features when compared to the other carriers we evaluate.

For those concerned with keeping their information secure in the cloud, Windstream offers a suite of security features that outpaces most other companies in the hosted Exchange marketplace. Including data replication, multi-tenant platform security, remote device wipe, physical security, antispam, antivirus, content filtering, and policy-based encrypted email. The company conforms to SAS 70 Type II auditing standards and employs a dedicated security staff to ensure compliance data management regulations.

Windstream extends two hosted exchange packages, a Standard and a Premier plan. Their Standard offer is available for $8 per user per month, while their Premier option starts at $13 per user per month. Both plans come with unlimited mailbox storage, AD Sync, Active Sync, remote wipe, public folders, retention policies, and wireless policies. Nevertheless, those who purchase the basic package would have to pay additional fees for features such as Blackberry support, Outlook licenses, Lync Standard, resource mailboxes, SharePoint, archiving, encryption, and basic IMAP/POP.

Windstream's Secure Email Exchange and Collaboration plan offers cloud-based email with advanced protection and integration with ActiveSync, Skype for Business, Microsoft Outlook, ShareSync, Office apps, and more. When compared to similarly priced platforms, Windstream offers better than average opportunity for integration.

Windstream Hosting holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, but have yet to be accredited by the agency. Presently, unfavorable customer feedback for the company abounds, with clients expressing dissatisfaction with their internet speed and intermittent service. The company, however, has taken the time to reply to all customer complaints and seem to be working on several reforms to improve broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas.