Mail and groupware systems are complex and dynamic systems that have to process various user requirements simultaneously, with the main focus on receiving, sending and managing e-mails.

These systems store and process massive amounts of data and require enhanced process speed, security and stability.

In the end, business operations are highly dependent on the 24/7 high performance operation of the Exchange Servers.

Microsoft Exchange is a complex server application that consists of various technical components and is connected with Microsoft services such as ADS or Domain Controller. Only the combination of all components ensures overall smooth operation. The server is divided into virtual servers, queues and caches for the various services (SMTP, HTTP, POP3, IMAP4, NNTP).

All of these servers, capacities, processing speeds, hit rates and fill levels of cache and queue require permanent monitoring in order to ensure safe operation of the Exchange Server. Furthermore it takes detailed analyses to be able to optimize the systems. This can be achieved through system message tracking.

The following attributes are monitored and analyzed in detail:

• services and virtual server: status, RAM, CPU load and number of registered users
• messages: transfer volume and speed
• mailboxes: memory, status, transfer volume
• mailbox stores and folder stores: memory and throughput 
• queues: contents and processing speed
• connected services: status, performance of the ADS or Domain Controller connection

• availability and performance of the Exchange Server
• capacity planning and user control
• usage measurement
• optimization of mailbox storage