Chapter 33. Capacity Analysis and Performance Optimization

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Examining Exchange Server 2003 Performance Improvements

• Analyzing Capacity

• Monitoring Exchange Server 2003

• Analyzing and Monitoring Core Elements

• Properly Sizing Exchange Server 2003

• Optimizing Exchange Through Ongoing Maintenance

• Monitoring Exchange with Microsoft Operations Manager

• Best Practices

Technology enhancements in Exchange Server 2003, in comparison to its predecessor, Exchange Server 2000, afford new optimization in performance. These enhancements can improve the messaging environment's reliability, availability, and scalability. In order to be able to make use of these features, however, you must carefully plan the deployment of Exchange Server 2003. This involves proper capacity planning and analysis of areas wherein a well-planned configuration can make an enormous difference in performance.

Capacity analysis and performance optimization processes and procedures are, most often, low-priority tasks. This is frequently because productivity is regularly measured by what can be achieved now and not always what can be properly planned or designed. The benefits of capacity analysis and performance monitoring can be obtained in the short term, but they are more important when established over longer periods of time. As a result, the main focus of most IT departments shifts to the more immediate and more tangible day-to-day processes and IT needs.

The results of capacity analysis and performance optimization save organizations of all sizes time, effort, and expenditures. This chapter is designed to provide best practices for properly and proactively performing capacity analysis and performance optimization so that IT personnel can work more effectively and efficiently, organizations can capture savings, and the Exchange Server 2003 infrastructure can optimally operate.