Load Simulator tests Exchange Server's capabilities

LOADSIM is run on one or more client or test computers and accesses the Exchange server across the network. The program sends messaging requests to Exchange, creating the kind of activity you would expect to see in a live environment. LOADSIM can be used to evaluate the capability of an existing Exchange server, or it can allow you to get an idea of what sort of setup would be needed to satisfy a given load.

Keep in mind that for the best possible results, LOADSIM needs to be run on a computer separate from the Exchange server, across a network. If it is run on the same server as Exchange 2003, actual network traffic to and from the server will not be simulated and the test will not be as accurate. In a sense, LOADSIM can also be used to test the capability of one's network vis-À-vis e-mail messaging loads.

Also, LOADSIM should not be used in a production environment of any kind, not even on a subnet. It should be used across a physically isolated network segment that is not connected to a live server or workstation in any way. This is done not only for the sake of keeping the testing immaculate, but also prevents live servers and workstations from being affected by the bombardment of the test messages.

LOADSIM can be downloaded directly from Microsoft here.

Do you have a useful Exchange tip to share? Submit it to our monthly tip contest and you could win a prize and a spot in our Hall of Fame.

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchExchange.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Submit a Tip Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us    RELATED CONTENT Exchange Server Administration Tips Repairing damaged OWA virtual directories in Exchange Server 2003 Exchange Server 2007 hardware planning for continuous replication Benefits of SAN-based storage in Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 How to generate HTML reports with the Exchange Management Shell (EMS) Hosted Exchange Server adoption to infiltrate the enterprise Using ActiveSync without a front-end Exchange server Use the Exchange Management Shell Set command to block senders Why boot an Exchange server from a storage area network (SAN)? Grant or deny permissions to access a user's Exchange 2007 mailbox Re-enable Exchange Server 2007 remote streaming backups in SP1 Microsoft Exchange Server Monitoring and Logging Error message: 'ID no: 8004100e Exchange System Manager' How to generate HTML reports with the Exchange Management Shell (EMS) IMAP list command only returns a list of Exchange public folders A network connection problem or an offline server prevented delivery of the message Monitor and search Exchange mailboxes for music and video files How much bandwidth is required to send email in Exchange 2003? Monitoring Outlook Web Access usage via IIS log files What event log tracks user access to Exchange Server? How to determine when an Exchange Server mailbox was last accessed by the owner How to set up Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) for Exchange Server monitoring Microsoft Exchange Server Administration Tools Customizing an Outlook Web Access 2003 email signature Tool exports messages from Microsoft Outlook to Unix .EML file format Monitor mail flow with the Exchange Server 2007 Queue Viewer tool Use Performance Monitor to detect Exchange 2003 message queue problems Migrating antispam settings from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007 An affordable Exchange Server database backup software option for SMBs How to set up Remote Desktop for Exchange Server administration Solve server problems with the Exchange Troubleshooting Assistant tool Monitor and search Exchange mailboxes for music and video files Can Exchange calendar sharing be automated using the SetPerm utility? Microsoft Exchange Server Administration Tools Research RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary Remote Installation Service  (SearchExchange.com) TCPMAN  (SearchExchange.com) RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.