Exchange Server 2007 Server Roles

Exchange Server 2007 Server Roles

Mailbox Server

This is mandatory role. Mailbox server provides users’ with mailboxes that can be accessed from the Outlook clients. Mailbox server also provides data accessible from the public folders. A mailbox server can hold up to 50 storage groups per server and 50 database files per server. 

Hub Transport Server

This is the second mandatory role for Exchange Server 2007. This role is responsible for message routing. This is also responsible for message categorization. Multiple Hub Transport servers are recommended for high availability. Clustering is not recommended for Hub Transport Servers. It also provides antivirus and anti-spam controlling.

Client Access Server

Client Access server is responsible for connecting Non-MAPI clients such as POP3, IMAP, mobile, Web-based clients. All requests from these clients are received by Client Access server and forwarded to the appropriate mailbox server.

Edge Transport Server

This is an optional role which is designed to provide a secure SMTP gateway for all messages received or sent through the Exchange server. It also provides the anti-spam and antivirus capabilities.

Unified Messaging Server

This role is designed for voice and fax messaging features.