Can I use Thunderbird to access Microsoft Exchange server?
Solution 1:
Your question is very similar to this AU answer.
In summary - if your MS Exchange server supports IMAP or POP3 then thunderbird can be used as your Email client.
However, if you want to directly support MS Outlook .pst files and other MS Exchange capabilities, then Evolution is a better client to use.
Solution 2:
You should look into this piece of software which acts as a gateway between Exchange and mail clients. http://davmail.sourceforge.net/