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Exchange Admin 101: An introduction to DSAccess


Brien M. Posey
03.07.2006
Rating: -4.75- (out of 5)


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When Microsoft began using Active Directory as a repository for Exchange-related data in Exchange 2000 (and now Exchange 2003), it had to set up some rules of engagement. Specifically, Exchange Server needed to communicate with Active Directory in a way that wouldn't create excessive network traffic or overwhelm domain controllers with too many LDAP requests.

To circumvent these issues, Microsoft created a component called DSAccess to act as an intermediary that could regulate traffic flow between Exchange Server and Active Directory.

DSAccess

DSAccess is an API used by all Exchange Server components to query Active Directory and acquire configuration and recipient information. Some of the many Microsoft Exchange components that depend on DSAccess are the Exchange System Attendant, Message Transfer Agent and Exchange information store.

DSAccess is a generic


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name assigned to a group of DLLs -- DSAccess.dll, Dscmgs.dll, and Dscperf.dll -- that are collectively known as DSAccess, or the DSAccess cache.

The DSAccess cache is actually made up of two separate caches:

About the author: Brien M. Posey, MCSE, is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his work with Exchange Server, and has previously received Microsoft's MVP award for Windows Server and Internet Information Server (IIS). Brien has served as CIO for a nationwide chain of hospitals and was once responsible for the Department of Information Management at Fort Knox. As a freelance technical writer, Brien has written for Microsoft, TechTarget, CNET, ZDNet, MSD2D, Relevant Technologies and other technology companies. You can visit Brien's personal Web site at http://www.brienposey.com.

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Related information from SearchExchange.com:

  • Tip: A deeper look at how DSAccess works
  • 15 tips in 15 minutes: Managing recipients and distribution lists
  • Reference Center: Exchange and Active Directory tips and resources


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