About Containers

A container is analogous to a file system subdirectory or folder. You can store related objects in it, as well as default security information for objects within the container.

For example, administrators might split the single default Recipients container into separate containers, each with its own mailboxes, public folders, and custom recipients. Each Recipients subcontainer may correspond to a geographic location or a group within a company. Administrators and programmers can define almost any type of container that holds any type of directory object.

Each site usually includes a Servers containers for one or more site servers, which usually provide a site's networking, messaging, and communication services. Site servers run Microsoft Exchange Server, which includes the directory, directory exchange agent (DXA), information store, message transfer agent (MTA), and other components.

The Connections container includes gateway services objects for gateways linking Microsoft Exchange Server with other systems inside or outside the organization.

For more information on organizations, sites, and configuring a Microsoft Exchange Server network, see the Microsoft Exchange Server Administrator's Guide and the Microsoft Exchange Server Concepts and Planning Guide.