Planning Exchange 2003 deployment

Interesting features of Exchange 2003 running in native mode are listed below. They should be considered in the planning of exchange organization.

1) Dynamic distribution groups are created based on the results of an LDAP query. Different from static distribution groups that are manually assigned members.
2) Site Replication Service (SRS) is used to replicate configuration information between Active Directory and Exchange 5.5. SRS enables AD to mimic exchange 5.5 directory allowing other Exchange 5.5 server to replicate information to it.
3) Microsoft Exchange 2000 chat service, conferencing service, instant messaging server, key management service, connector for lotus cc:Mail and MS mail connector are exchange 2000 server not support on 2003.
4) Outlook 2003 offline cached exchange mode works with exchange 2003. It stores mailboxes on client in .ost file.
5) It uses RPC over HTTP, therefore supports remote connection over internet.
6) Routing groups can be created that links server connected over slow bandwidth links. Connectors can be defined b/w these groups and cost assigned to them to prefer one over the other.
7) Exchange requires a local global catalog server. It is required for log on, group membership and store services.
8) Offline address lists are supported. These are stored in public folder. Users download the address list data file from a public folder.
9) Free/busy information is used for scheduling meetings.

Centralized deployment means all exchange servers are in a single routing group. Capacity planning tools such as exchange server simulation tool (LoadSim.exe) and Exchange stress and performance (ESP) and Jetstress can be used.