Exchange Server 2003 - Migration Benefits

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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Exchange Migration Options

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.

Reasons to Migrate to Exchange 2003

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.

Guy Recommends: The SolarWinds Exchange Monitor

Here is a free tool to monitor your Exchange Server. Download and install the utility, then inspect your mail queues, monitor the Exchange server's memory, confirm there is enough disk space and check the CPU utilization. This is the real deal - there is no catch. SolarWinds provides this fully-functioning product for free, as part of their commitment to supporting the network management community.

Free Download of SolarWinds Exchange Monitor

Improved Performance

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

Guy Recommends a Free Tool: VM Console

Virtual Machines are great for reducing hardware costs, but they can multiply fast and can get out of control. Solarwinds' VM Console is the classic tool to answer this pair of questions:

Which VM's are struggling and thus need more resources.
Which VM's are idle, and so are literally a waste of (disk) space.

The benefit of a good utility such as Solarwinds Virtualization Manager is that you see the big picture yet drill down into the detail of disk, memory or CPU.

Download your free copy of VM Console

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.

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Download your Exchange 2003 Migration eBook for only $6.25

Exchange Migration 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.

SolarWinds Exchange Monitor

Here is a free tool to monitor your Exchange Server. Download the utility, then inspect your mail queues, monitor Exchange server's memory, confirm there is enough disk space and check the CPU utilization.