Applies to: Exchange Server 2007 SP3, Exchange Server 2007 SP2, Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Exchange Server 2007
Topic Last Modified: 2007-08-20

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 uses the Active Directory directory service to store and share directory information with Microsoft Windows. If you have already deployed Active Directory, it is important that you understand the existing Active Directory structure and how Exchange fits into this structure. If you have not yet deployed Active Directory, you are in a better position to design your Active Directory infrastructure with Exchange in mind.

For information about Active Directory forest design for your Exchange organization, see Logical Topologies. For more information about Active Directory forest design for your Exchange organization, see the Exchange Server Team Blog article http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2007/03/28/437313.aspx. For comprehensive Active Directory deployment information, see the Windows Server 2003 Deployment Guide. 

In addition to the Active Directory forest design, you should also consider your organization's administrative model. Because Exchange Server 2007 uses Active Directory, you administer Exchange together with the operating system. Active Directory provides ways for you to delegate administrative authority to directory objects by using access control lists (ACLs).

What Will You Learn from These Topics?

The topics in this section provide detailed answers to the following questions:

  • What are the benefits and limitations of the main Active Directory scenarios?

  • How do I integrate the Exchange Edge Transport server role with Active Directory?

  • How do I integrate the Exchange Hub Transport server role with Active Directory?

  • How do I manage permissions for administrators of Exchange and Active Directory?

  • What administrative roles are available in Exchange Server 2007?

  • What permissions do the Exchange Server 2007 administrative roles require?

Who Should Read These Topics?

Information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for planning and designing Exchange messaging systems should read these topics. Such professionals may include the following:

  • System architects   Those who are responsible for designing the overall server infrastructure, developing server deployment strategies and policies, and contributing to networking connectivity design.

  • IT managers   Those who are the technical decision makers and who manage the IT staff responsible for the infrastructure, the desktop and server deployment, and server administration and operations across sites.

  • Systems administrators   Those who are responsible for planning and deploying technology across Windows servers and evaluating and recommending new technology solutions.

  • Messaging administrators   Those who are responsible for implementing and managing organizational messaging.