I used to have to support Microsoft Exchange Server. I swore I never would, but somehow, it ended up that I ran a group that handled stuff like that.

I hated it.

One of my favorite .sigs of all time is: "'Outlook not so good.' That Magic 8-Ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next..."

And now, I don't have to support it at all. I barely even have to use Outlook for work e-mail anymore, since I got the IMAP Fever.

Life is great.

But when I read this article from C|Net, I suffered flashbacks and irrational anxiety, the feelings of total frustration and hopelessness known only to those who have been The Exchange Administrator.

In the world of corporate e-mail, this little drama happens a lot:

Boss: "We will use Exchange for e-mail. It works great with Outlook, and Microsoft offers support, which you can't even get for that free stuff."

TechMonkey: "You mean open-source software?"

Boss: "Yeah, whatever. Communists. Besides, Microsoft is the best software company in the world!" (translation: "I own their stock.")

[TechMonkey bites tongue. Time passes. Exchange shoots flaming poo out the back of the server.]

TechMonkey: "Microsoft? Your software is not working."

Microsoft: "It's not our fault. We're Microsoft." (translation: "We've cashed your check already. Piss off.")

TechMonkey: "Boss?"

Boss: "Make it work, or you're fired."

At least for your time, money, and energy you get the world's most advanced virus development platform.

Good luck, and hope you Exchange victims get some sleep.