As we get closer to the release date for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, I notice that the questions readers ask are changing. To date, most of the questions have focused on features: "Is there a feature to do X?" "What does feature Y do?" This focus on features is understandable because most IT implementers want to know first what's new or different about a product, particularly when it's not widely available. However, people are now starting to apply what they know (or have heard) about Exchange 2007 to their own environments so they can figure out what they'll need to do for a successful deployment.

While Exchange administrators are running around in a state of excitement about the latest version of Exchange, Active Directory (AD) administrators have to be content with patiently waiting for Windows Server 2008 (formerly code-named Longhorn) and the AD updates that it includes. The good news for those of you involved with AD and keen to get to grips with emerging Microsoft technologies is that you can get started learning about AD and Microsoft Exchange 2007 integration now. In fact, you’ll need to work more closely with your Exchange colleagues in future. Let’s take a look at the Exchange 2007 features that are most likely to be relevant to IT professionals working closely with AD.