Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Administrator's Companion [With CDROM]

helpful with updates. i bought the first Edition and could have gotten by with it but SP 1 brings a few more tricks into the mix so i figured i should have it. is it ESSENTIAL, probably not but if it is your primary job, i would advise it. get a PowerShell book too, there is one i recommend Professional Windows Powershell for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 [...] it gives you pretty good info on how to use the commands. also i recommend going to Microsoft.com directly and finding their A-Z for Exchange PowerShell commands, you will be glad you did.

I just finished reviewing this book. I looked at it from the perspective of its Windows PowerShell content as I'm a Microsoft MVP who specializes in PowerShell scripting. PowerShell is becoming more and more important. Under the covers, PowerShell is the basis of all administrative tasks done in the Exchange 2007 Management Console. PowerShell is new and can be intimidating. However, for anyone who wants to automate tasks and become more productive, they should start investing some time in learning PowerShell. The time will soon come where PowerShell will be the common scripting language used by all Microsoft server products. What I like about this book is that it isn't too heavy on the PowerShell content, which is good for people new to the scripting language. Concepts are clearly presented, and then there's a small section on how to do the task in PowerShell with an example provided. Apart from its PowerShell content, the book is very well laid out, and covers every aspect of Exchange that an administrator should know about.

working with Exchange 2007 (E2K7) since July '07 and Exchange (5.5 and 2003) since 1999, i am somewhat familiar with Microsoft's Mail products. the E2K7 takes it to another level and this book gives you the info you need. is it the best and the only reference you will need? no, certainly not but it IS a good place to start. PowerShell is very pervasive and the more you know about it the easier your life will be as the EMC (Exchange Mangement Console) is not the same thing you got in the last version Exchange 2003's ESM (Exchange System Management). my suggestion is to pick up a PowerShell SP1 book, i reviewed a great one recently and i have about 5 so far. Bottom line, good book to have but you will need others especially concerning PowerShell. i own about a dozen of the Admin Companions and their Pocket Consultants as well.