Datasheet

Evaluating and Recommending Active Directory Configuration
5
Exchange Uses Active Directory to Store Information
The Active Directory database is divided into logical partitions, namely the schema partition,
the configuration partition, and a domain partition for every domain. Here’s how Exchange
Server 2007 uses each of these partitions.
The Schema Partition
Before Exchange Server 2007 can store information in Active Directory, this partition needs
to be modified so Exchange-related objects (e.g., connector or mailbox information) and
attributes (e.g., Exchange Mailbox server or a user object) can be stored there. The schema
partition stores the general layout of all Active Directory objects and its attributes. It includes
two types of information:
Schema classes : The objects that can be created
Schema attributes : The properties that can be used for each object
Each and every domain controller and global catalog server in the Active
Directory contains a complete replica of the schema partition. Thus it is
important to plan the Exchange Server 2007 schema extension accordingly—
it will initiate a full replication on all domain controllers and global catalog
servers in your forest.
It is true that the Exchange Server 2007 schema extension also includes the
Exchange 2003 schema extension. However, if you are ever planning on install-
ing an Exchange 2003 server, you must install it as the first server and install
Exchange Server 2007 afterwards. Once you have installed an Exchange Server
2007 server, you will not be able to install Exchange 2003 anymore.
The Configuration Partition
As the name implies, the configuration partition stores information about the forest-wide con-
figuration. For example, the configuration of AD sites and site links is stored here. Therefore,
it is available on every domain controller and global catalog server throughout the forest.
Exchange Server 2007 stores information like global settings, address lists, connections,
and so on to the configuration partition. You can take a look at what information Exchange
Server 2007 stored in the configuration partition by following Exercise 1.1.
EXERCISE 1.1
Looking at the Exchange Configuration
To look at the Exchange configuration, follow these steps:
1.
Click Start  All Programs  Administrative Tools  Active Directory Sites and Services.
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