Exchange 2007 SP3 (rollup 7) We're about to migrate an existing Exchange 2007 server (server 1) to new hardware with a different name (server 2; still Exchange 2007.) Server 1 hosts MB, UM, CAS, and HUB. There's a separate CAS box in the same site (CAS 1) that already hosts internal and external client connections. I'm assuming it would be ok to build to build server 2 without the CAS role given this scenario. It seemed redundant to me to have two CAS boxes in the same site, but the role was installed a few years ago when it was first brought online. No one ever bothered to remove the CAS role and it obviously hasn't hurt anything being there, but i was thinking that this would be a good time to get rid of it. No issues there i'm guessing? Are there any issues i should be aware of bringing up the second UM role? It also has the Chinese UM language pack installed. I'm wondering at what point the "switch" should be made between the two servers so that there's no interruption in UM services. Ultimately the plan is to have both servers online for a week or two, pretty much identically configured save for the CAS role not being installed on server 2. Early on the mailboxes will be moved from server 1 to server 2, then once the dust has settled and all client profiles updated, take server 1 offline. Are there any good tech papers that talk about this scenario? Most of the ones i've found are geared around moving the server roles to new hardware using the same name (a recovery install.) We'll have both servers online so i'm thinking it should be much easier this way. Then again, whenever you think something is going to be easier it rarely is. Thanks in advance!

The reason you haven't found much written about migrating to a new server is because it is a relatively pain free process. It isn't as complex as Exchange 2003 migrations and doesn't have the complications of a cross version migration. In Exchange 2007 internal clients connect to the mailbox role directly - the CAS role is only used for HTTPS, IMAP and POP3 traffic. Therefore as you already have a CAS role holder you don't need one on the new server. Thus install the server, replicate public folders, move mailboxes, remove public folders. You might have to adjust the OAB generator, but that is about it. The add/remove programs wizard for removing Exchange 2007 will tell you if you have anything wrong. UM should be largely the same - get it configured in the same way, so same language packs etc. I haven't done a UM migration for a while, so memory is hazy. Simon. Simon Butler, Exchange MVP Blog | Exchange Resources | In the UK? Hire Me.

Good to hear! All our clients are configured to use https (RPC/HTTPS.) We don't really use pub folders, but i'll be sure to replicate (as well as OAB.) i think my main concern is with the UM and HUB roles. i want to avoid things (after server 1 is taken offline) like AA prompts not working as expected; or mail queuing to or from the site because the old HUB server is gone. Luckily i'll be able to test those functions by powering off server 1 for short periods before i remove it gracefully through add/remove programs. Thanks!