Connection Types

An update for Exchange 2000 involves the deployment of Windows 2000 and Exchange 2000 into an existing network that uses Windows NT 4 and Exchange 5.5. Before upgrading and installing Exchange 2000, you need to install and run the Active Directory Connector (ADC) that comes with Exchange 2000. Then you must configure the connection agreements to support synchronization of configuration information between user and the 5.5 directory Exchange and Exchange 2000 Active Directory. Finally, we need to plan the order in which to upgrade the servers to minimize disruption to users.

Migrating to Exchange 2000 includes the planning and deployment of new network-rather than upgrading an existing network. This requires the acquisition of new hardware. To design a migration strategy, you need to plan to install the Exchange version of the ADC, filled with Active Directory user information, establish appropriate arrangements connection, and then migrate mailboxes from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000 servers. You also need to make sure that Exchange 5.5 directory and Exchange 2000 Active Directory information remains synchronized during the migration process.

ADC and Exchange Synchronization

The Active Directory Connector (ADC) is an Exchange 2000 that allows coexistence between Exchange 5.5 and Exchange 2000 during migration. You can use the Migration Tool Active Directory (ADMT) for migrating groups, users, exchange of information, and computers Windows NT 4 server deployments to Active Directory. The Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT) provides a number of wizards to simplify the migration process.

Directory synchronization is the process of creating and maintaining a unified directory service during the migration from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000. The Active Directory Connector (ADC) is the component that ensures synchronization. The ADC supports unidirectional and bidirectional synchronization of directories. You can schedule the frequency with ADC activates a connection agreement so that updates to directories are replicated. You can also establish the primacy of the connection agreement for the exchange organization to create new objects in the target domain Active Directory.