Upgrading the Exchange Server at Xyz Corporation

Upgrading the Exchange Server at XYZ Corporation

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Introduction

The project aims to replace the existing Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 at XYZ Company with Exchange 2016, including a refreshment of all equipment at the organization. Exchange 2016 incorporates a newer set of technologies, attributes, and services to Microsoft Exchange Server, which is the messaging platform that delivers email, scheduling capabilities, and tools for custom collaboration and applications for messaging services (Leonard et al., 2016). The Exchange 2016 supports individuals and organizations whose work habits have evolved from a focus on communication to that of collaboration. Similarly, the program helps minimize the total cost of ownership regardless of whether one deploys it on-premises or provisions one's mailboxes in the cloud. Exchange Server 2016 contains two server roles; mailbox and edge transport server roles. Compared to Exchange Server 2010, Mailbox server role integrates all of the tasks of the Hub Transport, Client Access and Mailbox services, and Unified Messaging server roles. The Mailbox services in Exchange 2016 is the only crucial server role, and the integration reinforces the endorsed practice of deploying Exchange as a single mailbox server instead of having a multi-role server as is the case with Exchange 2010. On the other hand, the edge transport server role will be similar to that of Exchange 2010, intended to lie in perimeter networks and offer security in the flow of inbound and outbound mail for the organization.

Overview of XYZ Corporation

XYZ is a medium-sized organization that engages in the development and management of logistics and business space for customers in logistics markets. The company has been successful in designing, building and managing tailored property solutions for its customers across various industries including logistics, automotive and retail. Thus, communication is a critical aspect of the organization. Precisely, the corporation manages email for an increasing number of customers, and it requires a centralized data location because its multiple customers access the same data. Also, the organization uses applications that need a secure database; the database houses files containing data such as inventory, design history, and punch-in times. Further, XYZ manages shared resources, including printers and programs, across the workspace. Moreover, the organization incorporates a centralized control over the management of network security. A single Exchange 2010 multi-role server is currently operating in the corporation to cater for communication needs. Nonetheless, XYZ needs an upgrade of the program to an Exchange 2016 mailbox server; the program will improve the robustness of the organization's email management system and, consequently, creates a stronger communication network (Leonard et al., 2016). Likewise, the edge transport server roles will protect the organization from attacks. Deployment of the same outside the corporate firewall will manage all internet-facing traffic. The edge transport server issues centralized control over the flow of messages to ensure the system is free from spam and malware.  Conjointly, the edge transport server runs transport rules by directing inflow and outflow of messages. The project will involve replacing related, existing equipment with new ones.

Overview of Exchange 2016

Microsoft rolled out the new attributes of the program in the cloud and refined them in a feedback loop that involves multiple mailboxes deployed across the world (Leonard et al., 2016). The changes are also valid for backend modifications to the program's architecture, high availability, and storage. Exchange 2016 organization coexists with earlier versions up to 2010. Regarding Exchange 2010, the new program is supported with Update Rollup 11 on all Exchange 2010 servers in the premises, including edge transport servers. Exchange 2016 also supports hybrid deployments with owners of Microsoft Office 365 who have the latest version of the same. The domain controllers for the program need to be running on either of the following Windows servers: 2016 or 2012 Standard or Datacenter, 2012 Release 2 Standard or Datacenter, 2008 Release 2 Standard or Enterprise, and 2008 Release 2 Datacenter, Release to Manufacturing or later. The functionality level for the Active Directory forest should be on Windows Server 2008 or later. Likewise, Exchange 2016 supports four domain name system namespaces; Contiguous, noncontiguous, single label domains, and disjoint. In the program, Internet Protocol version 6 only obtains support through the installation and enabling of version 4. Where the deployment of Exchange 2016 occurs in the configuration and the network supports Internet Protocol version 4 and 6, all Exchange servers can initiate the inflow and outflow of data with devices, servers, and clients that use version 6 addresses. Directory service performance for the program is higher through the use of 64-bit Active Directory domain controllers. Further, the program only supports Windows Management Framework versions built into the Windows release that one is installing Exchange on. Moreover, one should use the latest version of .NET Framework reinforced by the release of the Exchange one is installing.

Relevance of the Project

The undertaking will demonstrate the phases that are necessary for carrying out the Exchange Server upgrade. Similarly, the project will highlight the significant milestones in software projects while progressing to people external to the project. The project will also provide a platform for demonstrating the influence of other project requirements such as time and costs and their inclusion into the implementation process. Efforts will involve the creation of estimates and demonstration of how such factors could impact the project. Moreover, the information provides a greater understanding of topology concepts and server setups, which demonstrate the need to research about and incorporate ideas amassed over time.

Project Initiation

Project Scope

The contents of the paper include the justification, objectives, and deliverables of the project, a communications plan, a RACI-O matrix, a preliminary risk register, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), including a Gantt Chart, and the estimated budget for the project.

Project Deliverables

The table below shows the project deliverables.

Project Charter

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