The Active Directory and CDOEXM

[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change.]

CDO Exchange Management (CDOEXM) involves gathering and modifying information both in and out of the Exchange 2000 Server. Within the server this information can pertain to the server, or components of information stores (databases, folders, stores, mailboxes and mailbox users). External information resides primarily in the Microsoft® Active Directory™. The Active Directory information is configured in namespaces using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). It is important to understand the role of the Active Directory for the Exchange 2000 Server. Numerous programs and systems rely on Exchange information stored in the Active Directory.

CDOEXM and ADSI

Many Microsoft® Windows® Active Directory™ configuration tasks can be performed using ADSI. This includes data in the Active Directory that is for the Microsoft® Exchange 2000 Server. However ADSI is a generic API that has no specific functions for managing the Exchange data in the Active Directory. Also, ADSI cannot access data in the Exchange 2000 Server.

CDOEXM encapsulates and simplifies Exchange management tasks so that data in both the Active Directory and Exchange are managed as needed. The user need not work at the granular level of the Active Directory using ADSI.

ADSI can still be useful. To create a user in Exchange, you may first create the user in the Active Directory using ADSI. You can then switch to CDOEXM to create the user’s mailbox in the store. When CDOEXM creates the mailbox it automatically sets properties in the Exchange 2000 Server to associate the Exchange mailbox to the user in Active Directory.