Chapter 1: Analyzing theAdministrative Structure

MICROSOFT EXAM OBJECTIVES:

• Analyze the impact of Active Directory on the existing technical environment.

  • Analyze current network administration model.

• Design the Active Directory infrastructure to meet business and technical requirements.

  • Design the envisioned administration model.

Configuring network protocols, building servers, and troubleshooting issues that keep the network from working as planned are all part of the daily routine. Most of us are comfortable working in that environment. But when it comes to working out issues pertaining to the administrative structure of our companies, the techno-geek in most of us is not as comfortable. Whereas the TCP/IP map can be held in our craniums for instant access, the administrative map is a bit more nebulous. The chain-of-command, the business model, the management philosophy ”all are foreign concepts to most of us.

When it comes to designing an effective network infrastructure for Active Directory, we soon come to find that it becomes imperative to understand the administrative structure of the business. If you do not have a good understanding of how the business functions, Active Directory will not be rolled out effectively, and you will soon discover that a complete redesign of the directory is probably necessary. Not a fun prospect to say the least.

The administrative structure of a business falls into two categories: business models and administration models. Most business models fall into one of four categories: departmental model , project-based model , product/service-based model or the cost center model . Over the course of the next few pages, we will discuss each model and how it could impact your Active Directory design. Then we will discuss the four types of administrative structures: centralized , decentralized , hybrid, and outsourced . During these discussions, we will also look at how to identify the different models, how the models affect Active Directory design, and how to design the administrative structure.