Deploying Exchange 2007 Server Roles and MCTS Tracks and Exams

With the 2007 edition of Exchange Server, Microsoft has introduced role-based deployment. Using role-based deployment allows you to deploy server roles that provide the specific messaging functionality you need. Server roles are units that logically group each of the required components and feature for performing specific functions in your Exchange messaging environment. Five distinct server roles align with typical messaging deployments including: Client Access, Edge Transport, Hub Transport, Mailbox, and Unified Messaging.

The introduction of Exchange Server 2007 coincides with an MCTS certification for specializing in this technology. As you seek this credential, MCTS training is highly recommended. For those who want to deploy server roles on their own, it's important to understand what you are getting into. For example, before deciding which server roles you want, a few items should be taken under consideration:

• Multiple server roles can be deployed and can coexist on a single computer. However, you must administer these coexisting roles as separate entities.

• Server roles can be deployed individually on dedicated computers.

• The Edge Transport server role may not coexist on any computer that has another server role.

For Windows Server 2003 computers running the release to manufacturing, or RTM, version of Exchange 2007 or running Exchange 2007 with Service Pack 1:

• The Edge Transport server role requires Active Directory Application Mode, or ADAM, for storing configuration and recipient information. ADAM, a stand-alone directory service, is designed to be used with directory-enabled applications. You need to first install ADAM on the computer before installing the Edge Transport server role. You will need to download the required files at ADAM and accept all of the default settings during installation. When the Edge Transport server roll is installed, ADAM will be configured for it.

For Windows Server 2008 computers running Exchange 2007 SP1:

• Exchange 2007 SP1 supports the deployment of server roles on Windows Server 2008 computers. When the Edge Transport server is installed on a Windows Server 2008 computer, Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, or AD LDS replace ADAM. Before running Setup, you need to first install the AD LDS role using the Add Roles wizard found in the Server Manager.

Several features in Windows 2008 have been enhanced or renamed.

• For best results, you should install the Edge Transport server role on a computer that is not part of a domain. This type of stand-alone server configuration is the most secure implementation and it also gives you an outstanding level of isolation. While you are able to install the Edge Transport server on a computer that is part of a domain, the Edge Transport server will always use the ADAM directory service or the AD LDS directory service (depending on your version of Windows Server) for storing recipient and configuration information. With this setup, it will never access Active Directory directly. For sending and receiving e-mail messages via the Internet, the computer that has the Edge Transport server role installed uses Send connectors and Receive connectors.

• The Client Access, Hub Transport, Mailbox, and Unified Messaging server roles may coexist in any combination on the same computer. Make your decision based on capacity and performance planning.

• When installing the Unified Messaging server role on a computer without any other Exchange 2007 server roles installed, the Exchange 2007 organization have other Exchange 2007 servers where the other server roles (Mailbox, Hub Transport and Client Access) are installed. Bear in mind that the Unified Messaging server role can be installed on the same server that has other Exchange 2007 server roles.

• Support for installing and running the Unified Messaging server role in a virtual environment does not currently exist.

• Hardware between clustered Mailbox servers and other server roles cannot be shared.

• Only the Exchange Management Console, Exchange Management Shell, and Exchange Help file can be installed on a computer that doesn't have any server roles installed on it. This computer can be used for administering the other Exchange 2007 servers.

• When deploying the server roles on more than one computer and when installing Exchange 2007 into an existing Exchange 2003 or 2000 organization, you should deploy the server roles in the following order:

•  Client Access server role

•  Hub Transport server role

•  Mailbox server role

•  Unified Messaging server role

Deploying the Edge Transport server role can be done any time throughout the deployment phase. Keep in mind that the Edge Transport server role will not be fully functional until after you have installed the Hub Transport server role and subscribed the Edge Transport server.

Exchange 2003 or 2000 front-end servers can't grant access to an Exchange 2007 Mailbox server. Exchange 2007 Mailbox servers can't send or receive e-mails when a Hub Transport server does not also exist in its Active Directory site. Because of these limitations, when you are upgrading existing Exchange organizations, you should first install the Client Access and Hub Transport server roles before you install the Mailbox server role. While you can install the Mailbox server first, you won't have client access or mail flow until after you have installed the Client Access and Hub Transport server roles.

Before Deployment

Before deploying Exchange 2007, double check that all of the necessary pre-installation tasks have been completed. This includes confirming that both your organization and the servers meet all of the minimum requirements.

The Installation of Exchange Server 2007

There are two ways to install Exchange 2007 server roles on a computer:

• Using the Exchange Server 2007 Setup wizard which guides you through each of the setup steps.

• Using the command prompt and the Setup for creating scripts to perform the installation.

When installing Exchange 2007 into an existing Exchange Server 2003 or 2000 organization, you must perform a specific procedure when you install the first Hub Transport server role. If you do not perform this specific procedure, you will not be able to establish mail flow between the different versions of Exchange Server.

After Deployment

After deploying Exchange 2007, numerous post-installation tasks should be completed.

If you have one or more server roles installed on a particular computer, you can't use the Server 2007 Setup wizard to add or remove server roles. To add or remove server roles in this situation, you need to either use the Setup.com command or go to Add or Remove Programs from the Control Panel.

As you work through deploying Exchange Server 2007, you may find that you'd like to specialize in this technology. MCTS certification is a terrific way to showcase your skills. With the proper MCTS training in Exchange 2007, you are well on your way toward becoming even more valuable within your organization.