14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has updated a simulation tool designed for Exchange, tailoring the release to the latest iteration of Exchange Server. The Microsoft Download Center is now offering customers the possibility to grab the 32-bit (x86) and the 64-bit (x64) versions of Exchange Load Generator 2010. The simulation tool can be leveraged in order to assess the impact of MAPI, OWA, ActiveSync, IMAP, POP and SMTP clients on Exchange servers. According to Microsoft, Exchange Load Generator 2010 can be used in conjunction with both Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange Server 2007.
“LoadGen allows you to test how a server running Exchange 2010/2007 responds to e-mail loads. To simulate the delivery of these messaging requests, you run LoadGen tests on client computers. These tests send multiple messaging requests to the Exchange server, thereby causing a mail load. LoadGen is a useful tool for administrators who are sizing servers and validating a deployment plan. Specifically, LoadGen helps you determine if each of your servers can handle the load to which they are intended to carry. Another use for LoadGen is to help validate the overall solution,” Microsoft stated.
Microsoft has strongly emphasized the restriction for customers to test their Exchange Server 2010 deployments in scenarios that do not involve production environments. Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 1 (SP1) customers should have it easy, especially if they have already set up a testing environment for the first upgrade of the product. Earlier this month, Microsoft provided early adopters with the first Beta development milestone for Exchange 2010 SP1.
“LoadGen should be used only in laboratories that have no connection to the production environment. This tool should not be used in any way in a production environment or an environment that is mission critical or contains important information of any kind anywhere in the network,” Microsoft warned. “There are now three OWA modules: OWA2007Module (Exchange 2007), OWA2010Module (Exchange 2010 RTM) and OWAModule (Exchange 2010 SP1 or latest). Please use the correct version for your environment.”
Exchange Load Generator 2010 is available for download here.
Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta is available for download here. Exchange Server 2010 is available for download here.