Um pouco de história do Exchange

Estava a ler o documento An Overview of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 White Paper, quando descobri esta tabela com todas as datas de lançamento das principais releases do Exchange:

O Exchange completou recentemente o seu 11º aniversário, está a ficar mais velho e melhor!

Quanto à minha experiência pessoal, apesar de ter trabalhado com o defunto MS Mail 3.1, o meu primeiro contacto com o Exchange deu-se já na versão 5.0. Foi amor à primeira vista ;-)

E quanto aos nomes de código das várias versões do exchange? Aqui fica a tabela:

E quanto ao futuro? Bem, neste momento está já a ser desenvolvida a próxima versão, nome de código Exchange "14" (conseguem imaginar porque saltaram a 13?), que deve ver a luz do dia lá para 2010. Mas até lá relaxem e disfrutem das muitas das novas funcionalidades do exchange Server 2007.

[UPDATE]
Enquanto fazia pesquisa para este post, fiquei obviamente intrigado pelo Magma. O David Lemson da Microsoft fez o favor de me esclarecer sobre o assunto:
"Magma was the code-name for the portion of Exchange (the store, mostly) that shipped as part of SharePoint Portal Server 1.0. That product, now MOSS, switched to SQL as their store in the next release. Magma was only built with Exchange 2000 internally, since there is no remaining consumer, it is no longer being built. Magma wasn’t really a product, first because it never shipped except to SPS, and second because it was really just a portion of the store, it didn’t have its own code."
O nome Magma foi inspirado pelo filme Austin Powers.

Leitura de fim-de-semana

• Study: More Spam but Fewer Complaints
• Backing for tool to battle spam
• Creating a mailbox usage report using the out-html and out-ie
• Jetstress: When you see unstable latency slope
• Exchange 2007 objects are not stamped with ShowInAddressBook and never end up in the GAL after a gal sync
• All Groups address list and Query-Based Distribution Groups
• Exchange Server 2007: Bulk creation of mailboxes using Exchange Management Shell
• Grimes Gripes About RBLs
• Snapshotting and Auditing changes to Mailbox folder delegation rights and Changes to Mailbox Rules
• Exchange 2007 Unified Message forms in Outlook Web Access
• RBL rejection behavior (in the logs) in Exchange 2007
• How to use the Exchange 2007/2003 Address Rewrite Feature
• Using SharePoint 2007 to hold Exchange 2007 journal reports
• OUTBOX: Programming Exchange 2007 Foreign Connectors - The Exchange EDK Gateway Connector Replacement
• Exchange 2007 ActiveSync policies
• How does Exchange 2007 setup know to resume a failed setup?
• Generating Active Directory accounts by using the mailbox information in the mailbox database in Exchange 2007

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Shell Help

A Microsoft disponibilizou uma actualização para a Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Shell Help. O download contém um ficheiro XML que deverá ser colocado na pasta de instalação do Exchange.

Brief Description
This download contains an update to the Exchange Management Shell Help

Overview
The Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Exchange Management Shell Help file helps you use cmdlets in the Exchange Management Shell to perform day-to-day administration of Exchange 2007. You can view help in the Exchange Management Shell by using the Get-Help cmdlet.

Instructions

1. Close the Exchange Management Shell
2. Click Download on this page to start the download, or choose a different language from the drop-down list and click Go.
3. Do one of the following:
   - To start the installation immediately, click Open or Run this program from its current location.
   - To copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time, click Save or Save this program to disk.
4. Install the Exchange Management Shell Help file, Microsoft.Exchange.Management-Help.xml, to the correct folder that represents your locale. The default installation location is C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Exchange Server\bin\en. "en" is the English language locale code. If you downloaded another language version of the Exchange Management Shell Help file, change the locale code "en" to the locale code for your language, and then install the file. For more information about locale codes, see CultureInfo Class.
5. Open the Exchange Management Shell after you have completed installation.

TechNet Magazine - Edição de Junho 2007

Já está disponível online a edição de Junho da TechNet Magazine.
Desta vez o tema central é a segurança, pelo que poderão lá encontrar alguns artigos bastante interessantes, assinados por autores conceituados, tais como Steve Riley ou Mark Russinovich.
Até agora ainda não encontrei lá nada particular sobre Exchange ou messaging, mas há sempre a rúbrica do Windows PowerShell, que está de algum modo relacionada com a gestão do Exchange Server 2007.
A revista está igualmente disponível para download em formato HTML Help (.chm).

ESEUTIL para copiar ficheiros?

Não há administrador de Exchange que não saiba o que a ferramenta ESEUTIL pode fazer. É bastante útil para desfragmentar as bases de dados do Exchange, recuperando o espaço livre, e também para as reparar em caso de erro.
O que provavelmente muitos não saberão (eu não sabia) é que esta também é a ferramenta indicada para copiar ficheiros muito grandes através da rede, de acordo com a Performance Team da Microsoft.
A sintaxe é bastante simples: eseutil /y /d .
Para ler o post completo: Slow Large File Copy Issues.

(Fonte: blog do Flaphead)

Documentação técnica de Powershell

Enquanto lia o blog do Anderson Patricio, descobri que está disponível para download um novo (e grátis) Powershell book. Acho que a situação merece uma pequena compilação de documentação técnica de Powershell, disponível gratuitamente na Internet:

• Windows PowerShell course book - This "Windows PowerShell" book will give you an introduction to Windows PowerShell as well as practical examples, in order to give you a quick introduction to this subject even if you have no significant previous scripting experience. The book is explicitly not aimed at professional scripters; the extensive Windows PowerShell help and the many Internet forums and additional literature are designed to give experts everything they need.
• Windows PowerShell Help - chm file - A compilation of tips for Powershel by Paul Flaherty.
• Windows PowerShell 1.0 Documentation Pack - Documentation of Windows PowerShell 1.0, which includes the Windows PowerShell Getting Started Guide, the Windows PowerShell Primer, the Windows PowerShell Language Quick Reference, and Windows PowerShell V1.0 Release Notes.
• Introduction to the Exchange Management Shell: Microsoft® Exchange Server 2007 introduces a new management platform called the Exchange Management Shell, based on Microsoft Windows® PowerShell, formerly codenamed "Monad". This document outlines the key benefits that the Exchange Management Shell provides to Exchange administrators and developers, and explains how cmdlets are structured, and how data is managed.
• Quick Reference for Exchange Management Shell: Microsoft® Exchange Server 2007 introduces a new management platform called the Exchange Management Shell, based on Microsoft Windows® PowerShell, formerly codenamed "Monad". This topic provides a list of many frequently used cmdlets, important conventions, and useful tips. The information is presented by feature area, such as recipient, transport, and database administration.

Using Exchange 2007 for Unified Messaging and Fax

A Microsoft disponibilizou para download o podcast Using Exchange 2007 for Unified Messaging and Fax.

Overview
How can you best implement the Unified Messaging (UM) features of Exchange Server 2007? Microsoft IT uses the UM features of Exchange Server 2007 to integrate voice messaging with the internal e-mail messaging environment. This content will detail the technical implementation and deployment strategy for deploying Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging features in the Microsoft enterprise messaging environment as well as answer the following questions: What is Unified Messaging and why is it a compelling service offering for Microsoft employees? What are the typical features and functions that have been deployed? What design issues do my IT specialists need to be aware of when planning to integrate Exchange Server 2007 with an existing PBX infrastructure?

Leitura de fim-de-semana

• Exchange Server mobile device management
• Radicati Group Releases New Study "Microsoft Exchange 2007 Total Cost of Ownership"
• Resource scheduling in Exchange Server 2007
• Quick-Start Guide to Configuring POP3 and IMAP4 in Exchange 2007
• HOWTO: Using CDOEXM in ASP.NET (.NET Framework 2.0 Walkthrough)
• Using SQL Server Table-Valued User-defined Functions with Exchange Web Services
• Searching for your search folders?
• Finding the Message Body
• Managing Exchange Server 2007 using a Windows XP workstation
• Mobile Messaging with Exchange Server 2007 Part 2: Managing Mobile Devices
• Unread Email report for all Folders in all Mailboxes on an Exchange Server
• Exchange 2007 Mailbox Size Powershell Form Script version 2
• HOW TO: Expose original senders and recipients of quarantined messages
• Applying Managed Folder Policy to more than one user
• Cluster Continuous Replication and Public Folders
• CAS In DMZ Redux: Time For an OWA Appliance?
• Stressing Exchange
• Missing permissions on the Address Lists Container breaks the OAB Generation process
• Exchange Server 2007 Webcast Series - Most Frequently Asked Follow Up Questions (1 - 6)

Actualização do ExBPA

A Microsoft disponibilizou uma actualização do Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA).
O Microsoft Exchange Best Practices Analyzer Web Update Pack contém algumas actualizações das regras, configurações e do ficheiro de ajuda.

Overview
This download contains the latest XML and ExBPA.chm files. Use this package to update your existing installation of the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer. NOTE: If Internet connectivity is available, the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer will attempt to automatically update itself from the Internet. Where updates are being applied automatically, there is no need to download the Web Update Pack.To find out which version of ExBPA.Config.xml is installed on your computer, click the 'About Exchange Best Practices Analyzer' link within the tool. The upper version number refers to the core application (e.g. 2.7.7830.0), the lower version is for the configuration XML file.

Workflow para Exchange

Um dos muitos feeds que eu acompanho é o Microsoft Download Center, que me permite manter informado dos últimos items disponíveis pra download.
Dois items recentes despertaram a minha atenção:

• Workflow Designer for Exchange
• Microsoft Exchange Server SDK Workflow Application Templates

Afinal não se tratavam de 2 novos produtos, mas sim de produtos descontinuados e que se destinavam ao Exchange Server 2000. Qual a solução para quem quiser desenvolver mecanismos de workflow para o Exchange? Windows Workflow Foundation!

"Microsoft recommends that you migrate applications that use Exchange Workflow and the Collaborative Data Object for Exchange Workflow (CDOWF) to use the Windows Workflow Foundation. Windows Workflow Foundation supplies the programming model, engine, and tools required to quickly build workflow-enabled applications on Microsoft Windows. It consists of a namespace, an in-process workflow engine, and designers for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. Applications that use Windows Workflow Foundation can be developed and run on Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP, and the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family. Windows Workflow Foundation includes support for both system workflow and human workflow across a variety of scenarios, including workflow within line-of-business applications, user interface page flow, document-centric workflow, human workflow, composite workflow for service-oriented applications, business rule–driven workflow, and workflow for systems management.If you have developed applications that are based on the Exchange SDK Workflow Application Template and you require a copy of the installation package for archival purposes, please contact Microsoft Customer Support Services.The Exchange SDK Workflow Application Templates will be supported while Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 support is available."

Leitura de fim-de-semana

• Exchange 2007 setup logs and how to use them to troubleshoot setup
• Email Tips from Raymond Chen
• Restricting device sync in Exchange 2007
• Exchange 2007 Anti Spam Migration Tool
• Exchange 2003 System Mailboxes
• Laying the Groundwork: Exchange Server 2007
• Exchange 2007 Mailbox Size Powershell Form Script version 2
• Exchange 2007 Mailbox Size Powershell Form Script
• Export all Outlook contact pictures to the File System
• HOW TO: Determine cluster configuration of mailbox server (CCR/SCC)
• HOW TO: Export all email addresses from a domain
• Exchange 2007 RPC interfaces are locked down
• After installing an Exchange 2007 server in to a mixed site the OAB generation fails with error 9342 and Outlook clients fail to download the OAB with error 0x8004010f
• RIM To Provide Visual Studio Plug-In for BlackBerry Apps
• Vista E-Mail Client Replaced by Live Hotmail
• Exchange Server 2007 Standard Edition - Unlimited Database size???
• Exchange 2007 Dynamic Distributions Groups
• More Exchange 2007 Dynamic Distributions Groups
• Exchange 2007 Update Rollups

E-mail netiquette

Update Rollup 2 for Exchange Server 2007 (KB935490)

Quem já fez download do patch do Exchange Server 2007 para corrigir a vulnerabilidade mencionada no post anterior, reparou com certeza que foi direccionado para o Update Rollup 2 for Exchange Server 2007 (KB935490).
Pois é, poucos dias dias depois de ter disponibilizado o Update Rollup 1, eis que surge um novo rollup.
Desenganem-se os que pensam que a Microsoft vai iniciar um novo ciclo de releases de rollups todas as 3 semanas, o principal motivo deste teve a ver com a vulnerabilidade já mencionada.
Esta actualização é cumulativa, o que quer dizer que dispensa a instalação do Update Rollup 1. Para uma lista das correcções incluídas, consultar o respectivo artigo da Knowledge Base: Description of Update Rollup 2 for Exchange 2007.

Vulnerabilidade do Exchange 2000/2003/2007

No seu último boletim mensal de segurança, a Microsoft revelou uma nova vulnerabilidade que afecta as mais recentes versões do Exchange Server e que pode levar à execução remota de código.

"An attacker who successfully exploited the most severe of these vulnerabilities could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights."

Aqui fica o link para o respectivo boletim de segurança que contém as informações necessárias para obter os respectivos patches correctivos:

• Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-026: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Could Allow Remote Code Execution (931832)

Leitura de fim-de-semana

• Exchange 2007 Edge Transport Server
• Outlook 2007 indexing issues
• Distribution List is more locked down in Exchange 2007 to reduce spam
• Eseutil /R (Soft Recovery) – A Quick and Simple Tutorial
• Exchange Server 2007: Protect users from spam from your own domain
• Exchange Server 2007: Bulk mailbox-enabling users using Exchange Shell
• Exchange Server 2007: Logging SMTP Protocol Activity
• Resource Mailbox availability web page for Exchange 2007
• Mobile Messaging with Exchange Server 2007 Part 1: New Device Features and Improvements
• Exchange 2007 Messaging Records Management (Part 1)
• Exchange 2007 Autodiscover and certificates
• How Transport Selects Certificates for TLS

Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007 Interactive Command Reference Guide

A Microsoft disponibilizou um guia animado em Flash Player, destinado a ajudar na transição entre o Outlook 2003 e a nova versão: Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007 Interactive Command Reference Guide.


Brief Description
This visual, interactive reference guide helps you find your favorite Microsoft Office Outlook
2003 commands in the new 2007 interface.

Overview
Wondering where your favorite Outlook 2003 commands are located in the new Outlook 2007
interface? Or just want to explore the rich, new design with a little guidance? Help is here. We've developed a
visual, interactive reference guide to help you quickly learn where things are.

System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Service Pack 3; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista; Windows XP
This guide requires Adobe Flash Player 7.0 or later.

Para quem preferir, há também uma versão online.

Actualização de ferramentas de Exchange

Já vem sendo hábito a actualização de algumas ferramentas de Exchange. Aqui ficam os links para as novas versões:

• Exchange Load Generator v.08.01.0112 (64 bit)
• Exchange Load Generator v.08.01.0112 (32 bit)
• Microsoft Exchange Server Jetstress Tool v.08.01.0112 (64 bit)
• Microsoft Exchange Server Jetstress Tool v.08.01.0112 (32 bit)
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Calendar Connector for Lotus Notes v.06.05.7911
• Microsoft Transporter Suite for Lotus Domino v.08.01.0223

Novos documentos de Exchange 2007

A Microsoft disponibilizou alguma documentação técnica nova sobre o Exchange Server 2007:

• Exchange Server 2007 Planning - This document provides guidance on planning for the supported Exchange 2007 organization models. Information is also provided to help plan for the use of Active Directory directory service and Exchange 2007 server roles. A planning checklist is included.
• Configuring Permissions in Exchange Server 2007 - This document helps you to plan, implement, and manage the permissions model in your Exchange 2007 organization.
• Management Interfaces in Exchange Server 2007 - This document discusses the features and functionality of the two management interfaces in Exchange Server 2007: the Exchange Management Console and the Exchange Management Shell.
• Operations Management and Monitoring of an Exchange Server 2007 Organization - This document provides information, including checklists for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, related to operations management of an Exchange Server 2007 organization. In addition, guidance is provided for using Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 Service Pack 1 to monitor an Exchange organization.
• Technical Architecture of Exchange Server 2007 - This document discusses the technical architecture of Exchange Server 2007, including descriptions of server roles, topologies, and the transport architecture.
• Managing Mailbox Features in Exchange Server 2007 - The purpose of this document is to help you manage and configure Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Mailbox servers. The information and procedures in this document focus specifically on the mailbox features of an Exchange 2007 computer that has the Mailbox server role installed.
• Exchange Server 2007 White Paper - A white paper on Exchange Server 2007
• Unified Communications & Collaboration White Paper - This document describes the Unified Communications and Collaboration platform from Microsoft and how Microsoft's approach to unified communications and collaboration delivers these capabilities for businesses of all sizes.

Webcasts em Maio

Aqui a fica a lista dos webcasts mais interessantes que vão ocorrer em Maio (fonte: Eileen Brown's Weblog):

• Exchange Webcasts for May
• Unified Communications Webcasts for May
• Office Webcasts for May
• Mobility Webcasts for May