Are there disadvantages to using Outlook's Cached Exchange Mode?

Are there disadvantages to using Outlook's Cached Exchange Mode? Since I found out about Outlook's "Cached Exchange Mode" I've been using it, and I also set it up on every PC I come across. I think it's a great feature that improves the efficiency of of every Outlook user, and I don't understand why it's not ON by default.
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 355

Total answers/comments: 4

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Guest [Entry]

What about the obvious security issue about having OST files left on the users local PC? Anyone could access the OST files and get unauthorised access to their emails. For that reason alone it may be appropriate to disable cached mode.

Guest [Entry]

"I suppose that you could be used to Exchange and think you are connected, click send and quickly suspend or shutdown before being on the VPN / network and then forget to send? :S

I can't really think of any serious downsides either."

Guest [Entry]

"Not sure about newer versions but the default in Outlook 2003 was to only sync directory changes once a day in cached mode.

This means that you might not be able to email that new member of staff to welcome them to the office if they only started today, also you'll only pick up mailing list membership changes (and new mailing lists) at the sync, so if you send a mail to your team's mailing list welcoming the colleague who's just transferred in they might not get it."

Guest [Entry]

"This guy's saying that Exchange mode has these issues:

More work for the Exchange Server
Faster access to emails when hot desking or using terminal server, etc...

Source:

http://www.itsupportforum.net/topic/difference-between-cached-exchange-mode-vs-online-mode-outlook-2013/#post-1153

Also, it's harder to manage from an admin point of view."