Getting Started with the Exchange Database Agent

Step 1: Review Requirements and Supported Features

Refer to the following information to learn more about the requirements for the Exchange Database Agent, and the supported features:

• System Requirements

• License Requirements

• Supported Features

Step 2: Install the Exchange Package

Install the Exchange package. If you use a DAG (Database Availability Group) environment, install the Exchange package on all of the member servers.

• Plan the Installation on Windows Computers

  Review the general guidelines to prepare for the installation, which include configurations that your computer might require before the installation.

• Preinstallation Checklist for Exchange Agents

  Review agent-specific guidelines to prepare for the installation, such as gathering the information that you must provide during the installation.

• Installation Methods

  Select the installation method that is most appropriate for your environment.

Step 3: Add the Exchange Database Agent

Add the Exchange Database Agent to the client where you installed the Exchange package.

If you use a DAG (Database Availability Group) environment, add the Exchange Database Agent on all of the member servers.

Step 4: Configure Your Environment

If you use Exchange 2010 or later, you can configure a DAG environment. Otherwise, you can configure a stand-alone environment.

DAG Environment

1. Open the CommCell Console.

2. Configure a storage device.

3. Configure the DAG environment.

   1. Create a DAG client.

      Consideration	Procedure
      The CommServe host can connect to Active Directory	Creating an Exchange DAG Client
      The CommServe host cannot connect to Active Directory	Creating an Exchange DAG Client in a Restricted Environment

   2. If necessary, add new member servers to the DAG client.

4. If you have not done so already, configure a storage policy.

5. Configure manual or automatic selection of the backup source.

6. Optional: To configure LAN-free backups in a geographically distributed environment, select a data path.

7. Optional: Manage databases separately by creating user-defined subclients.

Stand-Alone Environment

1. Open the CommCell Console.

2. Configure a storage device.

3. Optional: If you have not done so already, configure a storage policy.

4. Optional: To configure a preferred data path for a LAN-free environment, or alternate data paths in a LAN-based environment, see GridStor^® (Alternate Data Paths).

5. Optional: Manage databases separately by creating user-defined subclients.

Step 5: Configure Additional CommCell Features

Decide if you want to configure other features based on your requirements.

• To schedule backups, see Scheduling.

• To encrypt the data for transmission over non-secure networks or storage media, see Data Encryption.

• To be notified of events that require attention, see Alerts and Notifications.

• To manage security, see User Account and Password Management.

Step 6: Run Your First Backup and Restore

• Back up data

• Restore data

Step 7: Where to Go from Here

• Plan for rapid recovery of critical data and restoration of business functions in the event of a disaster. Review Full System Recovery: Exchange Database Agent.

• Configure Data Retention and Data Aging for this agent. For more information, see Data Aging.

• CommCell Quick Start Guide - Where to Go from Here.