Chapter Summary

Exchange 2000 Server relies heavily on Internet technologies and integrates tightly with Windows 2000 Server. Integration with Active Directory opens options for single-seat administration even in complex environments. Attributes and settings for Exchange 2000 are maintained in the Active Directory architecture along with ordinary Windows 2000 attributes. Compared to earlier versions, Exchange 2000 has been completely redesigned, making it one of the most powerful messaging and collaboration systems today.

Beyond simple e-mail messaging, Exchange 2000 provides extensive workgroup and workflow capabilities. For instance, little or no programming experience is required to configure discussion groups, reference or routing systems, Web solutions, information tracking applications, instant collaboration solutions, and simple workflow. Likewise, Exchange 2000 introduces powerful components for collaboration in real time, such as video and data conferencing, instant messaging, and chat services.

Exchange 2000 is easy to integrate in heterogeneous environments. It supports seamless mixing with earlier Exchange Server versions. It also provides all required components for coexistence with MS Mail, Lotus cc:Mail, Lotus Notes, and Novell GroupWise. Connectivity to other messaging systems must be established via Exchange Server 5 connectors, such as for PROFS or SNADS, or via common messaging standards, such as SMTP and X.400.