Exchange Server 2010 High Availability:
Hands-On

What is this course about?

Exchange 2010 builds on the new technology of version 2007 with a consolidation of many new technologies including the PowerShell based command set, and a completely new Active Directory based configuration. This version leverages the technology of Exchange 2007 to add significant features including a new rights-protected E-Mail functionality based on the Active Directory RMS role, additional transport and routing functionality, a new Exchange Permissions model, a major consolidation of the high availability solutions of Exchange 2007, and a new more sophisticated set of messaging policies and compliance features. The new functionality of the Exchange Management Console and Management Shell will also be explored. In this course you will learn specifically about all the major new features of Exchange 2010 while consolidating knowledge gained from the introductory course. The format of the course is a series of notes-based lectures supported by highly focused hands-on exercises.

Who will benefit from this course?

Technical messaging professionals, IT management personnel, and members of the corporate server teams who need to understand the demands of the latest version of Exchange will benefit from this course. Previous experience with Exchange, especially Exchange 2007, is necessary to succeed in this course. Those with experience of earlier versions may consider attending if they have a good understanding of Windows Active Directory. Project managers who require detailed knowledge of Exchange 2010 will also find this course useful.

What background knowledge do I need?

Exchange 2010 is a highly complex and in most organizations e-mail is regarded as mission critical. A good working knowledge of messaging, preferably Exchange post version 2000 in an Active Directory-based forest is essential for this course. Some exposure to Exchange 2007 would also be helpful. Course 2500, Installing and Managing Exchange Server 2010: Hands-On, or equivalent knowledge is assumed.

Do I need experience with PowerShell prior to taking this course?

No, previous experience with PowerShell Cmdlets is not required to take this course. The management architecture in Exchange Server 2010 is based on Windows PowerShell version 2.0. In this course, you develop expertise in running complex Exchange PowerShell Cmdlets through the command prompt to automate administrative tasks.

Does this course cover the Outlook client?

This course is server-focused but includes use of Outlook to illustrate client / server functionality. Initially Outlook 2007 is included but as soon as Office 2010 is released an updated version of the course will include the latest client software. Additional functionality has been added to the Client Access Server role and Outlook Web Access is used as a means of demonstrating these new features.

Does this course include the latest features of Exchange 2010?

Yes, it is anticipated that Exchange administrators who have a good working knowledge of Exchange 2007 but who are primarily interested in the new features of Exchange 2010 would find this course particularly useful. While this is not an upgrade course, it does have a major focus on the improvements introduced with Exchange 2010. The new version has the same fundamental structure of Exchange 2007 and those administrators who manage Exchange 2007 will find this course particularly interesting and useful.

Does this course include the use of Windows Server 2008 R2?

Yes, in order to get the best results and maximum functionality out of Exchange 2010, the host operating system is Windows Server 2008 R2. Exercises are performed on the latest versions of these operating systems, however, differences between earlier versions will be pointed out. Lecture notes will flag the new R2 features and how they affect this version of Exchange.

Does this course include e-mail compliance features?

Yes, there is an increased focus on regulatory requirements for the management and storage of e-mail, and Microsoft has introduced compliance features for these requirements. The course details the technology and the ways this may be introduced into an organizational e-mail system.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises will I perform?

Approximately 40% of class time is spent on hands-on exercises. These are tailored to reinforce the learning process and support the lecture notes. Each student team runs a series of Exchange 2010 servers in an enclosed Active Directory-based network. Exercises include:

• Building a Client Access Server (CAS), mailbox and HUB Exchange 2010 Server
• Configuring DAG on multiple Exchange servers
• Building an RBAC Management Group with PowerShell commands
• Designing an effective model for Exchange administration
• Handling Rights Management restrictions with the Outlook client

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

This course is the follow-on to Course 2500, Installing and Managing Exchange Server 2010: Hands-On. Learning Tree offers additional related course subjects which include SharePoint (a replacement for Exchange Public Folders), and the Windows Server courses. The following courses may be of interest:

• 538, SharePoint® 2007 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 1501, SharePoint® 2010 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 962, Windows Server® 2008 Active Directory Domain Services: Hands-On 
• 968, Windows Server® 2008 Hyper-V? Virtualization: Hands-On 
• 1200, Cloud Computing Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 296, Project Management: Skills for Success