This chapter highlighted the new features, functions, and core technologies built in to Exchange 2003. The following are best practices from this chapter:
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Use the step-by-step migration tools highlighted in Chapter 15 (for migrations from Exchange 5.5) and Chapter 16 (for migrations from Exchange 2000) to work through the upgrade process.
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Consider using the new Outlook Web Access 2003 ” not only as a Web browser client, but possibly as the primary mail client for many users, thus eliminating the need to support full desktop OSs and client software for users.
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Leverage the Outlook-over-HTTPS functionality covered in Chapter 11 to enable remote full client Outlook users connectivity to Exchange 2003 without the need to implement VPNs or other secured connection systems.
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Review Chapter 8 to determine whether you can decrease the number of domain controllers or Global Catalog servers on your network with an upgrade to Windows Server 2003, where GC and DC caching simplifies the requirement for domain controller placement.
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Test the mailbox recovery process highlighted in Chapter 32 to ensure that if you need to recover from mailbox deletion or corruption, you have successfully tested the functionality.
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Review your use of IPSec and whether you want to begin implementing server-to-server encryption to create a more secure networking environment. See Chapter 13 for more details on server-level security.
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Evaluate the use of RIS for Servers as a possible disaster recovery process to recover a failed Exchange server, or for adding additional Exchange servers to a network.
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Consider changing distribution lists to query-based distribution lists so that lookups can be dynamic instead of requiring manual addition and changes of users.
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If your organization needs to replicate directories with other Exchange organizations or with other directories, review Chapter 18 on Identify and Integration Feature Pack.
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For better Exchange server management, administration, and reporting, review Chapter 19 on tips and techniques on leveraging the Microsoft Operations Manager add-in that comes with Exchange 2003.
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To minimize spam and unwanted messaging, leverage the capabilities of safe and blocked lists, inbound recipient filtering, and attachment blocking, which is covered in more detail in Chapter 11 of this book.
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Consider using Exchange 2003's built-in remote and mobile capabilities for wireless phone and PDA device communications for messaging, calendaring, and contact communications.
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Review exiting enterprise configurations for network settings that may be modified or reconfigured with an upgrade to Windows 2003 and Exchange 2003.
