Some of Windows 64-bit x86-64 versions is needed to apply Exchange Server 2007 (v8 and v8.1 supposing SP1 accessible). Anyway it concerns only full versions and a 32-bit trial version is open to anyone. If there are any firms applying Exchange Server with 32-bit hardware, they'll be informed of the time to upgrade their equipment in short terms. But that is not the only point. According to the fact that Exchange Server 2007 doesn't provide in-place upgrading a number of companies applying programs of 2000 and 2003 will need to move to the edition of 2007.

In December 2005 there was created the 1st beta version of Exchange Server 2007, that was known as E12 or "Exchange 12". Not too many users were to test it then. Then in early spring 2006 the appearance of another changed beta edition was realized. Developer team of the program made it available via TechNet Plus and MSDN subscriptions. In some time, on April 25, everybody knew that the coming edition to be produced by Microsoft will be known as Exchange Server 2007.

Actually Exchange 2007 is one of those Innovative Communications Alliance creations. Here are the microsoft exchange server roles to be components of the software release of 2007.

1. Mailbox Role

It serves as hosting for mail and different information available to people. The role is as well supposed to provide Outlook clients MAPI admission. Mailbox has its modification. To use high-availability MSCS clustering of data stored on PC Clustered Mailbox role is used. Still if the Clustered Mailbox role is chosen, no other roles can be allowed on the blackberry hosting at the same time.

2. Client Access Role

This role is meant to cater for the mailbox service protocol access with no links to MAPI. This way it's affordable for the user to access his mailbox with an Internet browser, mobile device and 3rd party mail client. Absolutely like in Exchange 2003 FrontEnd server.

3. UM ? Unified Message

UM turns it also possible to use telephones to list mailboxes, calendars or anything. Still to let the UM work one has to install things like IP-PBX or VoIP gateway.

4. HT (Hub Transport)

Arranging messages and classifying them due to the route of each is the task of this role. Exchange 2007 classifies the mail amounts using AD site info, which differs from the approach of 2003 when admin set routing groups were used.

5. Edge Transport or ET

That is the first step for inbox and the finishing one for outgoing.