Tips

Tips

• Changes in Exchange 2013 CU5 target OAB, hybrid Exchange

  Microsoft's update for Exchange 2013 includes changes to OAB generation and its popular configuration wizard.  Continue Reading

• Options for migrating to a hybrid Exchange deployment

  Choose the best approach to migrate to hybrid Exchange and learn about new features that support multi-forest hybrid deployments.  Continue Reading

• Learn your options for monitoring Exchange deployments

  Monitoring an Exchange deployment isn't new, but plenty has changed when it comes to what admins should do.  Continue Reading

• It's time to reevaluate your email data retention policies

  Email is critical to most businesses, so Exchange should be front and center in an organization's data retention program.  Continue Reading

• Decide the best approach to migrate to Office 365

  Organizations with complex setups are warming up to Office 365, but there's plenty of work to do to figure out the best migration approach.  Continue Reading

• How admins can simplify learning PowerShell scripting

  Starting from scratch is a good approach when learning to script, but using or tailoring pre-written scripts can also help.  Continue Reading

• Why admins need to know Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server

  The best part about Windows Azure Pack is the control you have over it while still allowing for automating and delegating tasks.  Continue Reading

• Set high expectations for secure Exchange Server and compliance

  Security and compliance don't mean the same thing in Exchange deployments, but there are ways to make sure you have both.  Continue Reading

• Azure RMS offers a simpler data protection alternative

  The hosted version of Microsoft's on-premises Rights Management Services offers data protection features without the complexity.  Continue Reading

• Learn PowerShell scripting to harness the full power of Exchange

  If you haven't done so yet, you should master PowerShell scripting -- it's an essential skill Exchange admins of every level need to have.  Continue Reading

• Important considerations for setting up Work Folders

  This tip could be the answer your enterprise is looking for to bridge the gap between personal and corporate devices.  Continue Reading

• Critical namespace configurations in Exchange Server 2013

  It's important to get namespace planning right the first time. Otherwise, it's difficult -- or even impossible -- to change later.  Continue Reading

• Have a simple Work Folders setup in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Follow these steps to have the easiest Work Folders setup possible and to make the feature an essential part of your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 SP1 features that will make admins happy

  Here's a breakdown of the most promising features in the recent SP1 release and a look at what could use some work.  Continue Reading

• Quick tricks for migrating Exchange UM to Office 365

  If you plan to move UM-enabled mailboxes to Office 365 as part of a hybrid implementation, keep it simple to avoid complications.  Continue Reading

• Patching and monitoring in a hybrid Exchange deployment

  Every task that admins handle in hybrid deployments can be split into three categories, but two deserve most of your attention.  Continue Reading

• Is a single Office 365 tenant better than using multiple tenants?

  Companies looking to use more than one Office 365 tenant should be aware of the limitations and technical requirements.  Continue Reading

• Five reasons to run Hyper-V in Windows Server 2012 R2

  There's plenty to like about Hyper-V in Microsoft's latest OS. Here are the five top features.  Continue Reading

• Don't go into battle without these Exchange Server tools

  Whether you're new to Exchange or a seasoned Exchange MVP, these tools are non-negotiables for maintaining control.  Continue Reading

• Four essential tasks to complete before migrating to Exchange 2013

  Before you begin an Exchange 2013 migration, you'll have some prep work with reviewing prerequisites and learning migration best practices.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the best email security tools for your business

  Once you've decided to look at third-party security tools, you'll have to decide between on-premises or cloud-based options.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for managing Office 365 from Active Directory

  After moving to the cloud, you'll need to manage the parts of Exchange that don't show up in Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• Building out private clouds with Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V

  The latest iterations of Windows Server and Hyper-V have capabilities and features especially for building private clouds.  Continue Reading

• Configure essential tasks in an Exchange CAS deployment

  Before an enterprise can use Exchange 2013 Client Access Server, admins must configure these tasks.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the best Exchange certificate option

  Digital certificates are essential for keeping Exchange secure -- as long as you choose the best option for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Why it's easier than ever to deploy hybrid Exchange Server

  Deploying a hybrid environment with Exchange 2013 is easier than it used to be, but it's still no piece of cake.  Continue Reading

• Proper care of your new ADFS server

  Once implemented, ADFS becomes a vital part of your enterprise. Managing it and keeping it highly available is essential.  Continue Reading

• Why the Windows Server Essentials role could benefit larger organizations

  Organizations may look to use an Essentials server, which makes Windows Server 2012 R2 function like Microsoft's small business offerings.  Continue Reading

• Does your enterprise need Office Web Apps Server 2013?

  Office Web Apps can help with several Office 2013 products, but you have other options if you install Exchange 2013 in small organizations.  Continue Reading

• What the latest Microsoft Learning program changes mean for IT pros

  A revamped design for the MS Learning site gives IT pros a look at some potential changes coming to certs -- new and old.  Continue Reading

• New Microsoft certs changes that IT pros need to know

  The Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1 and System Center 2012 R2 releases are responsible for the updated MCSA and MCSE cert exams.  Continue Reading

• Use Dynamic Quorum to change database availability group behavior

  Dynamic Quorum is technically a new Windows Server feature, but it can work well with DAGs in Exchange Server.  Continue Reading

• Why a CIO's relationship with enterprise IT security is important

  A CIO's role and the overall success of an enterprise's security are the two main factors that can make or break an organization.  Continue Reading

• Set up an ADFS server to manage Office 365 identities

  As long as you know how to set it up and install it, ADFS can be a good identity management option for Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Customize Exchange ActiveSync settings for virtual directories

  Knowing the settings for the mailbox server and the Client Access server role is the key to customizing ActiveSync virtual directories.  Continue Reading

• How to share calendars in Exchange 2013

  The easiest way to share calendars in Exchange 2013 is to enable its built-in, standards-compliant features.  Continue Reading

• Keep secrets safe with an employee security awareness program

  You've mastered how to keep your enterprise up and running, but understanding your employees' mindset is essential to security.  Continue Reading

• Is Password Sync better than AD FS for Office 365 identity management?

  Can DirSync's Password Synchronization feature compete with AD FS for Office 365 identity management?  Continue Reading

• Three SharePoint and Yammer integration essentials admins should know

  Our expert answers common questions about Yammer and SharePoint integration and takes a look at what the future holds.  Continue Reading

• Simple ways to troubleshoot slow mailbox moves to Office 365

  Slow mailbox migrations are frustrating, but are they a sign of a larger problem? Here are some simple ways to check.  Continue Reading

• What to do when you can't delete an Exchange mailbox database

  There's a simple reason why Exchange won't let you delete unwanted databases. There's also a simple fix.  Continue Reading

• Set up reliable Exchange 2013 load balancing with open source tools

  You can now use free third-party load-balancing options, including Linux offerings, thanks to improvements in Exchange.  Continue Reading

• Keys to deploying Exchange without emptying the wallet

  The decisions you face as you plan for and design an Exchange deployment can impact your deployment options and the overall cost.  Continue Reading

• Eight Exchange skills and topics every admin should know

  If you want to take your Exchange knowledge to the next level, tackle the tough topics and find ways to validate what you know.  Continue Reading

• Use IT staff retention strategies to maintain a successful business

  A first-class IT staff is hard to find and keep, but convincing them to stick around is a necessary investment for a successful business.  Continue Reading

• Keep calm and message on: Prepping for an Exchange Online migration

  Learn how a smooth migration to Exchange Online not only keeps end users happy, but also minimizes IT help desk calls.  Continue Reading

• Five ways to troubleshoot Outlook Group Policy setting problems

  When Group Policy configurations aren't working like they should in Outlook, these five steps can help you figure out what's wrong.  Continue Reading

• Be better than your MCSE: Messaging credentials for deep-dive learning

  If you want to excel at Exchange, it's time to go beyond Microsoft certifications and learn more about the inner workings of Exchange.  Continue Reading

• Match your Exchange deployment to your IT department budget

  As you research the best on-premises Exchange deployment for the money, keep three things in mind.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server PKI improvements admins should know

  As security changes with each Windows Server release, admins should keep up with the PKI improvements.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based features a big benefit when you buy Exchange 2013

  When you implement Exchange 2013 in your organization, you'll become less reliant on third-party software and better prepared for the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for using Exchange Online Archiving

  Once you know the best uses of Exchange Online Archives, you can make sure your end users have the best possible experience.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Outlook 2013 auto-complete problems

  Microsoft made changes in Outlook 2013 that can be helpful for troubleshooting problems with its auto-complete feature.  Continue Reading

• Three reasons why you should upgrade to Exchange 2013

  If you're hesitating to upgrade from on-premises Exchange 2010 to Exchange 2013, consider these arguments for making the move.  Continue Reading

• Information security project considerations for IT managers

  Being an IT project manager isn't easy, but you can improve your information security skills and knowledge to make your job easier.  Continue Reading

• Simple ways to prevent PST file problems in Outlook 2013

  An Outlook 2013 upgrade won't solve PST file problems, but Microsoft made two changes in Outlook 2013 to help you avoid using them all together.  Continue Reading

• Why enterprises are delaying an Exchange 2013 migration

  Even with improvements and new features, many enterprises have decided to wait to upgrade to Exchange 2013 -- for a few good reasons.  Continue Reading

• Three simple ways to improve SharePoint performance

  Once you know the three major causes for most SharePoint performance problems, improving SharePoint's performance becomes easy.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Online Archives offers functionality without infrastructure

  End users get a more functional archive when you implement Exchange Online Archives -- and you don't have to maintain infrastructure to support it.  Continue Reading

• Using OWA offline mode for expanded Outlook access in Exchange 2013

  Exchange Server 2013 gives OWA users offline access to features and functionality that had previously only been available to Outlook users.  Continue Reading

• Running PowerShell scripts can ease Windows virtualization tasks

  Put PowerShell cmdlets to work with Windows virtualization by automating setup, maintenance and configuration tasks in your organization.  Continue Reading

• Simple fixes for Exchange Server disk space consumption issues

  Low on disk space in Exchange? Fix the problem early to avoid mail flow issues or database dismounts.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Certified Educator improves education and technology ties

  This new certification teaches educators how to effectively use the link between learning and Microsoft technology in the classroom.  Continue Reading

• How to fix repeated Outlook password prompts and make end users happy

  When Outlook keeps asking for password verification, the problem is almost always a configuration issue. However, there's an easy fix.  Continue Reading

• Build an enterprise security strategy for Exchange

  With recent news like the NSA's PRISM program grabbing headlines, enterprises are rethinking overall security, including for Exchange.  Continue Reading

• Will Windows Server 2012 R2 features change Microsoft's tablet game?

  Microsoft strikes back at its Surface tablet critics with Windows Server 2012 R2 features like Workplace Join and Work Folders.  Continue Reading

• After an Exchange Online migration, what comes next?

  You deserve a pat on the back after moving your mailboxes to Office 365, but your work isn't done until you finalize the project's end goal.  Continue Reading

• Simple ways to troubleshoot Exchange Offline Address Book problems

  When the Offline Address Book doesn't download Outlook 2013 clients, Exchange admins have plenty of options for easy fixes.  Continue Reading

• How should you feel about the new Microsoft upgrades schedule?

  Microsoft's recent pledge of more frequent OS upgrades has enterprises wondering what to make of the new schedule. Take a look at its pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• Configuring Web Application Proxy with AD to future-proof Exchange

  To use Web Application Proxy for publishing Exchange to the Internet, admins can ease the process with simple AD and Exchange configurations.  Continue Reading

• The information security basics your organization should already know

  You can't assume your colleagues know the basics of information security, but there are simple ways to make security and your job easier.  Continue Reading

• Giving OWA themes a makeover in Exchange 2013

  When senior management asks to have the corporate colors or logo in OWA, there's an easy way to create and configure new OWA themes.  Continue Reading

• Getting to know your compliance options in Exchange 2013

  Keeping up with the regulations that come with new technology can be tough, but certain Exchange features can help organizations stay compliant.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell reporting to maximize Exchange's potential

  If you know the right commands to use, PowerShell reporting can expose a huge amount of information about your Exchange Server environment.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Second Shot gives IT pros free retake of certification exams

  The latest Second Shot promotion lets admins retake certain certification exams for free. But the offer only lasts until May 2014.  Continue Reading

• Publishing Exchange to the Internet via Web Application Proxy and ADFS

  When combined with ADFS, Web Application Proxy in Windows Server 2012 R2 is appealing to organizations publishing Exchange to the Internet.  Continue Reading

• How to successfully install Node.js applications on IIS

  Microsoft's support for JavaScript engine Node.js applications on Windows Azure has brought the functionality to IIS. Here's how to set it up.  Continue Reading

• ActiveSync mailbox policies vs. Windows Intune: What's better for MDM?

  At one time, ActiveSync and Intune were so similar it didn't matter which one admins chose to managing mobile devices. That's no longer the case.  Continue Reading

• Identifying and fixing disjoint namespace issues in Exchange Server

  Disjoint namespace issues are complicated, but you can still deploy Exchange servers in this type of environment, if you understand the cause.  Continue Reading

• Be aware of essential Windows Server 2012 R2 hardware requirements

  Before upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2, read up on hardware requirements to ensure there are enough resources to preserve performance.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V gives Linux VMs a boost

  Microsoft wants Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V to be the best platform to run Linux in the cloud, so it has added more support for Linux VMs.  Continue Reading

• Tailor Exchange Deployment Assistant for a successful server install

  The Exchange Deployment Assistant in Exchange 2013 won't leave you helpless. It adapts to your needs and walks you through a successful install.  Continue Reading

• Active Directory Federation Services' new features are cloud-ready

  Active Directory Federation Services was updated in Windows Server 2012 R2 with Workplace Join and improved single sign-on features.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Exchange Admin Center access issues in Exchange 2013

  It's common for users to have trouble accessing the Exchange Admin Center in Exchange 2013. Keep these fixes handy in case this happens to you.  Continue Reading

• Better communication skills can make or break your IT career success

  IT pros know the technical aspects of their jobs, but what about the most important facet: people? Here's why better communication skills are a must.  Continue Reading

• Running AWS for Windows Server offers efficiency and cost savings

  Running AWS for Windows Server can be a more cost-effective and efficient option for your organization than provisioning physical servers.  Continue Reading

• Test Exchange 2013 AutoReseed setup to let automation help your organization

  After setting up AutoReseed in Exchange 2013, follow these steps to test it and make sure it works correctly.  Continue Reading

• E-discovery capabilities expand with Discovery Search mailbox, and others

  The discovery search mailbox, as well as health or monitoring and public folder mailboxes, received major improvements in Exchange 2013.  Continue Reading

• Ease task organization for admins with Arbitration mailbox updates

  Arbitration mailboxes received major changes in Exchange 2013 to help IT pros accomplish more than they could in previous Exchange versions.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft licensing model changes with Server and Cloud Enrollment

  A new Microsoft licensing model is coming later this year, forcing enterprises to rethink current models and look to more cost-effective strategies.  Continue Reading

• Five ways to fix Outlook connectivity issues

  There's no definitive way to solve Outlook connectivity issues, but these five steps have resolved problems for some Office 365 customers.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 migration in 12 simple steps

  Take the sting out of an Exchange 2013 migration by following these 12 steps for training, installation, verification and more.  Continue Reading

• Configure AutoReseed automatically to reseed failed databases

  The AutoReseed feature in Exchange 2013 uses automation that enables admins to reseed failed JBOD database copies without lifting a finger.  Continue Reading

• Consider Exchange mailbox database sizes when sketching out storage

  Planning Exchange 2013 storage architecture is an art form because it impacts everything, and the Exchange mailbox database plays a huge part.  Continue Reading

• How the Design Manager in SharePoint 2013 modernizes site creation

  With the Design Manager in SharePoint 2013, inflexibility is no longer an issue when creating sites, thanks to its revamped features.  Continue Reading

• Deciding if an Outlook 2013 upgrade is right for your organization

  Organizations looking at an Outlook 2013 upgrade will compare its advantages and cost, but some will benefit from its new features more than others.  Continue Reading

• Moving Exchange instances among virtual containers

  Exchange can be virtualized in broad environments, but when moving instances between virtual containers, Microsoft tightened support requirements.  Continue Reading

• Update your Active Directory services to prepare for the cloud

  Even if you don't have a cloud service yet, you should update your Active Directory services to centralize governance and prepare for cloud.  Continue Reading

• Desired State Configuration helps admins avoid configuration drift

  The new feature Desired State Configuration feature in Windows Server 2012 R2 gives admins yet another reason to learn PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft certification changes coming with updated software releases

  Here's what you should know about impending Microsoft certification changes after the Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 GA date announcement.  Continue Reading