How to Keep Your Web Application Servers Running Efficiently

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Microsoft Exchange is one of the most complex and dynamic platforms available to small and large businesses. Due to its comprehensive infrastructure, and its ease of customization based upon your specific needs, many organizations have turned to this platform for their critical communications. If you’re seeking out different ways to keep your Exchange servers in proper working order, then you should follow these tips and guidelines.

 

Establish Frequent Server Backups

Perhaps one of the most effective ways to keep your servers running smoothly is to establish frequent and thorough backups. Due to the continuous transaction logging and various storage capabilities, Exchange is among one of the most complex systems to effectively backup.

 

In order to properly backup this complex system, it’s essential that you deploy a backup mechanism that’s compliant with Exchange. These Exchange-specific backup systems are aware of the multiple databases and various levels of log files. In case of a disaster, these Exchange-specific backup systems are able to safeguard database integrity and information.

 

Establish the Ample Storage Requirements Based on Use

One of the most common errors established by enterprises is not allowing ample disk space within the Exchange. As your data begins to soar through use, and storage allotments do not match this expansion, Exchange will actually stop storing mail. For both large and small businesses, this can be a critical problem.

 

The most effective way to combat this issue is by properly planning the amount of space you currently need, and what you feel will be needed in the future. While there are many ways to calculate and determine how much disk space your enterprise requires, perhaps the most effective of all these is the storage calculator found on the Microsoft Exchange Team Blog. This calculator can be found Here.

Maintain Proper Mailbox Quotas

A common problem many businesses come across is having a mailbox quota that’s too small to fit all the storage requirements for its user. While the exact size of a mailbox quota varies based upon the usage requirements for that particular user, many IT directors suggest setting the average mailbox storage quota to 2GB; however, it may be necessary to create larger quotas. Best practices when it comes to this scenario is to review each user and their email habits/requirements. It’s only when these habits are reviewed that you can set an effective mailbox quota.

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