Switching Exchange from Mixed to Native Mode
Mixed mode is the default setting in Exchange 2000 and 2003. This is
a similar concept to mixed and native mode in Windows 2000. Native mode
refers to the servers not the clients, and it means that all servers are running
Exchange 2000 or later.
When you first migrate to Exchange 2000 the best tactic is to introduce the new
Exchange 2000 server into an existing Exchange 5.5. organization. The
purpose of mixed mode is to allow all Exchange servers to co-exist (versions 5.5
and later).
Gradually, you migrate mailboxes and public folders from the old 5.5 to the
new Exchange 2000 servers. When you decommission the
last Exchange 5.5 server, switch the Exchange 2000 server to Native mode, and benefit from:
- Moving mailboxes between existing servers.
- Re-distributing servers between routing groups.
- Routing groups can contain servers from multiple administrative groups.
- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is the default routing protocol.
N.B. When you sail in the Exchange 2000 Native ship, there is no course back
to mixed mode - you have burnt your boats.
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The Litmus test idea
Guy's Litmus test is a concept that you can apply
where ever you go. Each test gives you an instant answer to the basic
question: - 'Is this professional, or is this amateur?'
I have applied my Litmus test concept to Exchange 2000.
The tests are a personal view, based on my
judgement as an independent computer consultant. Combine business with fun
and check your settings against Guy's Litmus tests. Each week I will give
you a new test on Exchange or Outlook.
The brainwave for the Litmus challenge came to me when
a delegate said:- 'Guy, I have just joined a company; how do I know if their
network and servers are running properly?' So I gave him a check list to find
out whether his network was run by amateurs or professionals.
As I was wondering what title to give the check list, my mind flashed back to
my schoolboy days. Suddenly I remember my chemistry teacher 'Sniffy'
Pugh showing us Litmus tests. Perhaps you remember the test? It is where you dip
paper into a liquid, if the Litmus paper turns red it means acid, whereas
if it turns blue
the liquid is alkaline. It struck me that Litmus test was the ideal name for a quick test where
there are only two possible results, one good the other bad.
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