Customer Reviews

Mastering Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

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I had no background in exchange and was asked to convert a Domino installation to Exchange 2007. I bought this book because of my prior experience with Sybex (excellent), and fully prepared to have to buy more books on the same subject before it did the migration. I did not need another book.

The book is very well organized, current, and accurate. The screen shots and steps outlined are exactly what you see on the screen. The content is very detailed, but does not get you bogged down. You will get the most out of it by reading in order from the beginning to the end.

The book helps make decisions such as hardware, ssl certificates, etc. prior to doing an installation. The real issues with an exchange migration/new installation are usually AD, DNS, firewalls, etc. and the book provides very good insights.

One can simply execute the installation as one progresses through the chapters. Blogs and forums for any particular topic at websites such as technet, [..], blackberry forums, etc. can be used as supplements.

HTH

Let me start by saying that while it was a great book, on first appearances, I felt it to be a bit thinner than the normal McBee book. This was definitely a misnomer as the book was light on nothing. I own a small library of Exchange books, accumulated over 14 years supporting Exchange and other messaging systems and 15 years in the IT biz. If there was one Exchange 2007 book that I had to put on my shelf, this would be it.

Exchange 2007 brings to bear some of the good things which we were familiar with in Exchange 5.5; a separate SMTP engine (IMC in Exchange 5.5, SMTP Service in Exchange 2000/2003, and Hub/Transport role in Exchange 2003), a separate Outlook Web Access server role (now called CAS in Exchange 2007). Some Exchange admins of today don't remember the concepts of these separate roles and Exchange admins with this background need to become familiar. McBee and Gerber help to bring the novice admin up to speed while satiating the desires of seasoned messaging professionals.

It's easy to tell that McBee was key in the authoring of this book and uses his great writing skill to further learning the key concepts in the book. There is also a nice appendix that highlights some tools that administrators may find helpful.

I am a former Microsoft MVP, who participated with the LCS and Exchange MVP teams. I also participate in the Exchange forums of Experts Exchange. As such, it is easy to see when a great book is written. McBee and Gerber have written yet another winner and a great time saver for those folks looking for a great book to use in their Exchange 2007 learning. This book was definitely worth every minute and is only one of three Exchange books I keep at the office.

Bob

I have been an messaging engineer for four years now and in that time I have been through my fair share of Exchange books covering Exchange 2000, Exchange 2003, and Exchange 2007. I can easily say that Jim McBee's book here is one of the best books you can buy on the subject.

Material is covered well, going over all the new features in Exchange 2007, best practices, and practical advice to help you deploy Exchange 2007 and keep it running once it's deployed. Important topics like security, Outlook integration, and Windows Mobile support is covered as well. Best of all this book is full of handy powershell scripts to help you learn your way around the new exchange management shell.

No matter what your need, be it studying for the MCITP exam, deploying Exchange 2007 in your organization, or just needing a handy tome of great Exchange information to refer to on a daily basis you truly can not go wrong with this book. It is highly recommended!

From the first page I knew this manual was different to most I had read in the past. I am only part way through, but it doesn't read like a work manual, I am actually looking forward to picking it up every chance I get. Not boring old dronning on, you get the facts but in a easy to read format.

Though I have ten years of IT experience, this book has not yet helped me with my first venture into e-mail server administration. It summarizes topics without providing implementation guidance and real-world tips. Though it was written during the beta cycle, isn't some of the authors' Exchange 2003 hands-on experience applicable to 2007? Perhaps I'm spoiled by Minasi's "Mastering Windows Server". Beginner e-mail administrators may want to look elsewhere.

Similar to AJoshi I was asked to migrate a Linux driven active postfix mail server to Exchange 2007. Working since more than a decade strictly in Unix environments I was curious how this would work.. So I went to buy this book and spent a nice weekend reading it. Sure enough I am impressed by the way the authors wrote this book. Clearly understandable bringing it to the real point. Having the book in front of me I easily managed to perform the migration. Today our users really appreciate the service they get from MS Exchange .... There is no way around this book if you are a newbie in the Exchange area !

I only read the first 1/3 of this book before I got involved in an Exchange 2003 to 2007 transition. Some of what I read was applicable, however doing further research on the topic on TechNet I was able to find practically the same information for free, and often, in greater depth than this book offers.

The book provides very little insight into how Exchange actually works. The parts on administering E2007 are sparse and not explained very well, and again, you can find all of this on TechNet for free.

Compared to Mastering Windows Server 2003 this book is a real letdown. Granted, I've only read the first 1/3, but flipping through the rest and looking for the occasional answer to a question I've run into during the transition I've only been left wanting.

I wouldn't buy it again and I certainly don't recommend it. You certainly won't master anything with this book.