3StepShare, a new and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Exchange Server that allows colleagues to share their Outlook calendar, contact, email and task folders has been released by Lookout Software LLC. 3StepShare's simple setup and processes are ideal for busy professionals looking to share their Outlook folders but do not have the time or resources to struggle with servers, extra hardware or unnecessary expenses.

Because the application works using Outlook email instead of networks and servers, 3StepShare differs from many products currently available that allow Outlook folder sharing. By downloading the 3StepShare plugin and inviting other users to see their folders, users can choose to share their Outlook calendar, contact, email and task folders simply.

3StepShare works by one 3StepShare user inviting to share one or more of their Outlook folders with another user, and 3StepShare sends the invitee an invitation which is either accepted or rejected. 3StepShare creates a subfolder for the shared Outlook folder in the invitee's copy of Outlook if accepted. Then 3StepShare sends the shared folder's data to the invitee's shared subfolder, and any changes made by either user are updated in the opposite person's shared folder. Without any user intervention, all of this is done behind the scenes through an automated email synchronization process.

Users can also set who has the right to edit or delete data within their shared Outlook calendar, email, contact and task folders. For example, while only giving other users the right to view appointments in the shared calendar folder, a user can choose to share their Outlook calendar folder with several colleagues; then give some of these colleagues the right to edit and delete appointments in the shared calendar folder.