An Exchange server administrator sets up and manages a Microsoft Exchange server. They help in setting up user accounts and mailboxes along with backup, security and restoring files. They perform routine server maintenance, configure new users and are called as the first point of contact for problems involving Microsoft Exchange.
Servers are one of the most critical parts of your business network if a server stops, so does business as usual. Well! You might be thinking who helps in electronic communication. The server administrator is the actual point of contact to resolve the issue.
Two significant components of the Microsoft Exchange server are:
- Information Store
- JET Database Engine
Roles and Responsibilities
An Exchange Server Administrator is accountable for replying to the client’s queries for services. The Microsoft Exchange administrators are answerable for standardizing the tasks through the multiple accounts within a group while providing a knowledge transmission, also training the subordinates in the department. The administrator also creates different documents which in turn will help the team to refer in future for their resolutions.
They generate the script which will computerize the task applicable to which it was created. They are responsible for discussing other issues or challenges if faced by anyone, with the team.
Server Administrator also pursues other troubleshooting techniques or steps from the other departments which can prove to be dynamic in resolving any client's or consumer's query.
The position of a Microsoft Exchange Administrator is very vibrant, and they need to look out for resolutions to any issues they are assigned with.
Server administrators are responsible for standardizing tasks across the multiple platforms. Responsibilities are as follows:
- Provide day-to-day prime and no-prime support to the client
- Maintenance of the server software
- Assist in the management of server infrastructure
- Manage mail-related systems and tools
- Perform server migration along with backup and disaster recovery
Working Conditions of a Server Administrator
Microsoft Exchange admin is usually working in offices where they spend most of their time in front of the computer. They could be engaged in telecommunication with multiple users across the world depending on the business. If the Exchange servers are located in a different location than the office, they may need to travel there as well to do maintenance or repairs. However, most works are performed from a computer workstation.
Education
An applicant having a degree certificate in a technical area is eligible to work as an Exchange Admin. However, a candidate holding an IT degree will be preferable. To become successful, you need to have a degree in IT, computer science or any related field along with applicable experience in managing Exchange servers such as Microsoft Server 2000-2012 and Microsoft Exchange Server 2000-2007, 2010 and 2013. Employers may also require some certification.
In most businesses, clients often look for skilled professionals. Hence, a minimum of 3+ years of experience on the details of a Windows server would be a right fit.
The Server Exchange Administrator or systems administrator works with system networks and confirms that they run powerfully by maintaining software updates, designing and executing new system structures, monitoring server activity log, and auditing server’s network security. These professionals frequently work for businesses that have a high volume of web activity or develop software for organizations with digital payment transactions or advertising corporations.
The Top Certifications are
- CompTIA Server+
- MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)
- RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
- Oracle Linux System Administrator
Most of the systems administration experts get a professional certification which can give them a benefit over other candidates in their job exploration. The key IT certification assessments are through Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and Redhat.
Most of these test the candidate's skills in regards to the administration of UNIX or Windows servers, together with knowledge of RAID (redundant array of independent disks), computer recovery, command-line tools, and troubleshooting faulty networks.
The Server Administrators usually need at least an associate's degree in an allied field. They may be required to get specific certification for the software or system they manage.
Employment Outlook
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment chances for network and computer systems administrators are likely to grow 8% from 2014-2024, which is about average growth. Options will be many for those with a blend of education, specialized experience, and skilled certifications.
Salary
The average salary estimate, according to payscale.com, is $71,170 per year. With an ever-growing demand in the IT and Telecom fields, one can opt for either full time.
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