Exchange Server Monitoring Need Not Be Complex

Mailbox server role in Exchange 2013 is quite simple actually. All you have is mailbox and public folder databases, and email storage. The mailbox server role consists of mail database, replication, storage, information store, RPC requests, and calendaring and resource bookings. Although it’s crucial to monitor the mailbox server role, it’s also equally important to look at other areas within Exchange.

Monitor ActiveSync Connectivity: Microsoft’s Exchange sync protocol is ActiveSync which is optimized to work when networks have latency and bandwidth issues. You can monitor ActiveSync based on the HTTP protocol and find out whether mobile devices are having issues connecting to Exchange server and also whether or not users can still access email, folders, contacts, and calendar information offline.

Active Directory Driver: The Active Directory (AD) driver in Exchange server allows Exchange services to create, modify, delete, and query AD domain service data. The AD driver utilizes Exchange AD topology information which allows the driver to access directory services. If there is an issue with the service then it affects Exchange services causing bottlenecks.

Client Access Role: To keep your email up and running, you should monitor the client access server role. The client access server connects the client requests and routes it to the appropriate mailbox database. Monitoring client role components such as Exchange POP3, IMAP, unified messaging, etc. will tell you whether end-user performance is having an impact.

Server & Application Monitor has various component monitors to monitor your entire Exchange environment. All you have to do it select the monitor that best addresses your pain area, assign and monitor, and get notified whether there is warning or critical alert.

Check out the SAM templates & AppInsight for Exchange here.