Benefits of migrating to Exchange 2003
Migrations are exciting. Let change be an opportunity for innovation.
Remember that the future does not have to equal the past, take the time to check all
the new features of Exchange 2003.
Topics for Exchange 2003 Migration
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While there are many permutations of Exchange and Outlook, the best
combination if Exchange 2003 (server) with Outlook 2003 (client).
The main focus of my advice is about migrating from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003.
However there are other upgrade scenarios:
Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000 - Because you have Windows 2000 not Server
2003.
Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2003 - Because you want the latest Exchange features and
you have upgraded to Windows Server 2003.
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- Clustering - 4 or 8 Node Active / Passive clustering is now a feasible option.
- Multiple storage groups - Divide and rule for better performance and
faster restore. Put the Boss and senior staff in their own mail store.
- Multiple administrative Groups - useful for delegation.
- OWA (Outlook Web Access).
- OMA (Outlook Mobile Access)
- Front end / Back end Exchange servers, used in conjunction with
firewalls to improve security.
- RPC over HTTP allows OWA clients to collect their email by only
opening port 80
- Volume Shadow Copy.
- Query Based Distribution Groups. Let LDAP create distribution
lists dynamically, based on users department or office.
- ExDeploy and ExMerge new wizards to help you migrate and configure.
- Better message queue management. (Also gives faster throughput)
- Outlook Cached Mode (Laptops).
- Junk email filtering. (Not perfect, but a step in the right
direction)
- Single mailbox restore.
- Better support for mobile users thanks to OWA and OMA.
- Enhanced junk mail filtering on both client and server
(see more here).
- Greater server availability.
- Superior reliability, better manageability.
- Reduced number of servers, less fragmentation.
- Improved replication traffic, thanks to Windows Server 2003.
My rule of thumb for Exchange 5.5 was 500 users
per server, amazingly, with Exchange 2003, you can support 2000 users on the same specification
machine. The latest Exchange version is so much more efficient at
handling messages.
The Evolution of Exchange Server Deployment at Microsoft itself
| |
Exchange 4.0 |
Exchange 5.0 |
Exchange 5.5 |
Exchange 2000 |
Exchange 2003 |
| Mailboxes per Server |
305 |
305 |
1,024 |
3,000 |
4,000 |
| Mailbox Size/User |
50 MB |
50 MB |
50 MB |
100 MB |
200 MB |
| Restore Time per Database |
12 hours |
12 Hours |
8 Hours |
1 Hour |
25 minutes |
| Total number of Mailboxes |
32,000 |
40,000 |
50,000 |
71,000 |
85,000 |
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Summary
I used to be sceptical about the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), however I am
convinced that investing in the latest technology will repay the outlay.
What you also get is a 'smarter', and more efficient email system. This
page will help you to identify which new features will
help your organization, and which are merely 'toys' more suited to other
organizations.
Download your Exchange 2003 Migration eBook for only $6.25
 The
extra features you get in your eBook include: 20 checklists to
plan your migration. Detailed instructions and advice on the best
strategy for your organization.
Lots of tips, recommendations and troubleshooting advice. Problem
solving section. Active Directory explained. Printer friendly
pages.
See Also
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