Chapter 2 - Active Directory Integration with Exchange 2000

Abstract

The Active Directory is similar in nature to the Exchange Server directory service that using the two on the same network leads to two directory service stores representing the same or similar subsets of information. Microsoft chose the solution of integrating the subsequent version of Exchange Server (Exchange 2000 Server) with Windows 2000's Active Directory. Because Exchange Server had always incorporated an integrated directory that stored address information, messaging data, and details about the Exchange Server system configuration, it provided the template upon which the Active Directory is based. The Active Directory facilitates a relationship between each user account and network resource. The network administrator can establish rules regarding these relationships, such as permission for a user to access a resource. Security features of Active Directory extend into policies. Group policies can be distributed throughout the Active Directory domains, sites, and organizational units. Active Directory cannot function without a correctly configured DNS. DNS provides the means for a domain controller to locate other domain controllers and for a client computer to find a domain controller for logons and queries. All of the Active Directory domains use a DNS name, and every Windows 2000 Server and Active Directory client has a DNS name.