Chapter 8: The Microsoft Exchange Directory Service

Chapter 8: The Microsoft Exchange Directory Service

Overview

The Exchange Directory Service is responsible for managing information held about an enterprise's messaging structure?user mailboxes, servers, distribution lists, and the configuration data used to route messages and map address types. All of this information is kept within a single directory. The directory is relatively sophisticated when compared to other messaging directories, if only for the amount of detailed configuration data held and the way that the data is shared between all of the servers in an organization. Distributing the configuration data in this manner allows a server to view the entire configuration and structure of an organization even when working off-line, disconnected from the network. Of course, it is impossible to change any part of the configuration of a remote server without a network connection, but it is always possible to view the data.

Like other entities within Exchange server, all of the items held within the directory are treated and manipulated as objects. An object like a server has properties that define the specific characteristics of the object. Properties also specify the users who are able to manage objects. All management activities on the Directory Store are carried out through the Exchange administration program.

Of directories, Exchange, and Windows NT

In the Windows NT V4.0/Exchange V5.5 environment NT has one directory (the SAM), and Exchange has another (the Directory Store). The connection between the two is limited at best, with the basic link being established by the fact that each...

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Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5: Planning, Design, and Implementation

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Chapter 8: The Microsoft Exchange Directory Service

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