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All objects are created and managed through the Administrator program using the same commands. A Microsoft Exchange Server installation can be implemented using a wide range of connectivity options that are all managed through a single interface. The exchange of all site-to-site information from user-to-user messaging to data replication to route monitoring is handled through mail messages. This single administration infrastructure greatly simplifies management of the rich functionality of Microsoft Exchange Server.
Microsoft Mail Connector. The Microsoft Mail Connector, included standard with Microsoft Exchange Server, provides seamless connectivity to Microsoft Mail Server for PC Networks, Microsoft Mail Server for AppleTalk Networks, and Microsoft Mail Server for PC Networks gateways. It uses a connector post office that is structured as a Microsoft Mail 3.x post office. Each Microsoft Exchange Server site appears to Microsoft Mail Server as another Microsoft Mail post office. A Microsoft Exchange Server site can connect directly to an existing Microsoft Mail post office, allowing you to replace not just supplement an existing Microsoft Mail MTA. No additional software is required.
Lotus cc:Mail Connector. The Microsoft Exchange Connector for Lotus cc:Mail also provides messaging connectivity and directory synchronization. Customers can co-exist and send information easily between these E-mail systems, and then later migrate when they are ready with the Lotus cc:Mail migration tools that are also included.
Microsoft Exchange Internet Mail Service. The Internet has long used several E-mail standards. RFC 821 (also known as Simple Message Transfer Protocol, or SMTP) defines how Internet mail is transferred, while RFC 822 defines the message content for plain-text messages. RFC 1521 (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, or MIME) supports rich attachments such as documents, images, sound, and video. Microsoft Exchange Internet Mail Connector supports all three standards. It also enables backboning between two remote Microsoft Exchange Server sites using the Internet or other SMTP systems, making it an important component for customers who rely on SMTP connectivity to communicate with members of their own organization, as well as other organizations.
Microsoft Exchange X.400 Connector. The X.400 Connector supports three different connectivity options TCP/IP, TP4, and X.25 between Microsoft Exchange Server and other X.400-compliant mail systems, and between two different Microsoft Exchange Server sites over an X.400 backbone. The X.400 Connector supports both 1984 and 1988 X.400 communication and includes support for the latest X.400 protocol, File Transfer Body Part (FTBP). The X.400 Connector also enables backboning between two remote sites using a public X.400 services, such as MCI or Sprint.
Dynamic Dialup (RAS) Connector. The RAS Connector object is a special-case site connector. It uses dial-up networking (also known as RAS, or Remote Access Services) instead of a permanent network connection, thereby enabling dial-up connectivity between two Microsoft Exchange Server sites. The administrator configures when the connections should be made, and Microsoft Exchange Server connects to the other site at that time. This connector is also standards-based, using the Internet Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). The Dynamic Dialup Connector can be automatically invoked by the Internet Mail Service and the Internet News Service so companies can participate in the Internet without the added cost of a permanent connection.
Microsoft Exchange Server supports clients running the Windows NT and Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups, MS-DOS, and Macintosh System 7 operating systems so that users work within a familiar environment. It uses the built-in network protocol support of Windows NT Server, specifically TCP/IP and NetBEUI. In addition, its network-independent messaging protocol enables Microsoft Exchange Server to work cooperatively with existing network systems such as Novell NetWare.
You can also install and use the Microsoft Outlook Client for Windows 3.x on a Novell NetWare 3.x client running a monolithic IPX/SPX NETx, ODI/NETx, ODI/VLM, or LAN Workplace for DOS (version 4.2 or later) with no modification to the client. Microsoft Exchange clients communicate with the Microsoft Exchange Server computer by using DCE-compatible remote procedure calls, which are forwarded within an IP or SPX packet using the Windows Sockets interface.
Because the connectors for Microsoft Mail, Lotus cc:Mail, the Internet, and X.400 systems all function as core parts of Microsoft Exchange Server rather than as add-on applications, they take advantage of the message routing, management, and monitoring features built into Microsoft Exchange Server. They also integrate with the administrative tools provided in Windows NT Server. By using and extending tools found in Windows NT Server, Microsoft Exchange makes use of strong authentication, provides an easy-to-use backup facility that does not require the system to be shut down to save data, and features an extensive dial-in facility that can manage up to 256 connections on a single server.
Monitoring tools include extensions to Windows NTs Performance Monitor, as well as both Server and Link Monitors that inform network administrators when there is a problem or delay in the system. Microsoft Exchange Server makes use of the Windows NT Event Log to store all types of information on the operating status of the system. This monitoring capability lets the administrator set up an automatic escalation process if a service stops. For example, if the MTA service stops, the monitoring system can be configured to automatically restart it or to notify specific individuals who can determine an appropriate action.
Built-in migration tools make it easy to convert user accounts to Microsoft Exchange Server. These tools work with the existing system and the Administrator program to copy and import addresses, mailboxes, and scheduling information from existing systems. It is also easy to automatically upgrade client software from the server. Migration tools are included for Microsoft Mail for PC Networks, Microsoft Mail for AppleTalk Networks, Lotus cc:Mail, Digital All-in-One, IBM PROFS/OV, Verimation MEMO, Collabra Share, and Novell Groupwise.
Businesses of all types and sizes can implement Microsoft Exchange Server as their information infrastructure. It supports all E-mail, information exchange, and line-of-business applications that help organizations use information to greater business advantage. Microsoft has worked closely with customers throughout the development of Microsoft Exchange Server to help ensure that it meets the needs of even the largest and most complex systems. The following are some common examples of how customers are implementing Microsoft Exchange Server.
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