Server Roles

All Microsoft Exchange Server computers in a site can perform the same functions, including directory services, message transfer, and message storage. Some servers can contain additional software and perform specialized services. Before planning server hardware, users needs, and network placement, determine which services you need in your site and how they affect your plans.

In addition to hosting mailboxes, servers can:

• Provide messaging connectivity to other sites, foreign systems, or the Internet.
• Provide directory replication between sites.
• Provide directory synchronization with foreign systems.
• Act as a Key Management server for the organization.
• Store public folders.

You can also provide these additional Windows NT Server services:

• Domain controllers
• Remote Access Service (RAS) servers

If all your servers have a standardized configuration and a consistent user load, distribute these services evenly among all servers in the site.