Chapter 2 -- Integration with Microsoft Windows 2000

Chapter 2

About This Chapter

Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server takes full advantage of the features of Microsoft Windows 2000 such as the network architecture, security features, and directory services. In fact, Microsoft's new messaging and collaboration platform integrates so tightly with the operating system that it appears to be a Windows 2000 extension rather than a separate server platform. That is why a thorough understanding of Windows 2000 is an essential prerequisite for effective Exchange 2000 Server administration.

At first glance, you might find the new management tools of Windows 2000 puzzling because they rely thoroughly on Microsoft Management Console (MMC). It seems that nothing is where it once was in Windows NT. However, you will soon appreciate the new tools because they give you powerful capabilities for managing your network resources—this includes Exchange 2000 Server—via Active Directory directory service.

This chapter provides you with an overview of how Exchange 2000 Server is built into Windows 2000. You will read about the MMC framework and customized management tools. That is followed by an introduction to how Exchange 2000 Server utilizes Active Directory. The last lesson examines important networking components Exchange 2000 Server relies on for its own communication.

Before You Begin

To complete this chapter:

• Prepare your test environment according to the descriptions given in the "Getting Started" section of "About This Book."
• Understand Windows 2000 Server networking technologies and the TCP/IP protocol suite.
• Be familiar with the concepts of Active Directory.