Applies to: Exchange Server 2007 SP3, Exchange Server 2007 SP2, Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Exchange Server 2007
Topic Last Modified: 2007-01-29

Information Technology (IT) operations refers to the day-to-day management of an IT infrastructure. An IT operation incorporates all the work required to keep a system running smoothly. This process typically includes the introduction and control of small changes to the system, such as mailbox moves and hardware upgrades, but it does not affect the overall system design. Within a Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 organization, the procedures, roles, and responsibilities that are involved in operations should be formalized. You can use the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) to help you model your organization's formalization efforts.

Implementing Exchange Server 2007 operations procedures according to the MOF processes requires:

• Understanding MOF   MOF is a collection of best practices, principles, and models that give you technical guidance about the management of IT projects such as daily Exchange Server 2007 operations. Following MOF guidelines will help you achieve mission-critical production system reliability, availability, supportability, and manageability for Microsoft products.
  
  
• Learning about best practices for Exchange organizations   It is recommended that you implement proven and practical procedures to manage an Exchange 2007 organization. Using the tried, tested, and documented methods of managing operations in your organization may be more efficient than developing your own methods.
  
  
• Separating operations into daily, weekly, and monthly processes   Document the operations tasks performed regularly in your company. Documenting how and when tasks are performed ensures that the information is preserved when operations staff change jobs or leave the company. New employees also benefit from this documentation because it helps them quickly learn how your IT department conducts its Exchange operations.
  
  
• Deploying the tools required for operating an Exchange 2007 organization   Many tools are available to help troubleshoot problems, automate tasks, and aid in the monitoring and maintenance of your Exchange 2007 environment. You can define a standard set of tools for your organization so the tasks performed by your operations team are performed accurately, efficiently, consistently, and in a controlled manner. You should also implement processes to track incidents and major configuration changes.
  
  

This topic area details the operational processes, tasks, and tools that are required to maintain an Exchange 2007 environment. It explains how the management of Exchange 2007 fits in with the overall MOF model. It will help you design your operational management environment and give you the means to implement processes and procedures to keep your environment running smoothly.

For more information, see the following topics:

• Microsoft Operations Framework
  
  
• Monitoring Exchange 2007 with Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 SP1
  
  

To ensure that you are reading the most up-to-date information and to find additional Exchange Server 2007 documentation, visit the Exchange Server TechCenter.

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