• Get help managing your Microsoft Exchange Server.Email Concept image by wayne ruston from Fotolia.com
  
  Microsoft Exchange Server is an industry standard professional email product. Small businesses looking for a flexible email package often use the standard versions. Depending on the number of users and size of the databases, administration and maintenance can be challenging. A few tools make it easier to manage Exchange environments. Some are available as part of Exchange, and some are developed by third parties.
  
  

Exchange System Manager

• Exchange System Manager is a tool provided by Microsoft as part of the Exchange installation. This tool allows the administrator to configure and maintain mailbox stores and distribution lists. This management is done through a System Manager snap-in. System Manager also allows the administrator to track email coming in and out of the system. Information stores, which are used to store mailboxes, can be configured and maintained with Exchange System Manager.
  
  

Active Directory Users and Computers

• Microsoft's Active Directory Users and Computers is a major component used in the Exchange architecture. Active Directory stores a record of all objects relating to Exchange, including mailboxes associated with user accounts. User's Exchange email account objects are configured and managed in Active Directory. Mailbox permissions are also managed through Active Directory, and it serves as the authentication source for users logging into an Exchange system.
  
  

The Exchange Management Shell

• The Exchange Management Shell is a powerful command-driven tool for administering Exchange environments. This is in Exchange 2007 and utilizes Microsoft's new Powershell technology. Powershell is a command-line shell and scripting language designed for system administration. This platform allows administrators to utilize Powershell's complex scripting technology to manage the Exchange server environment.