Overview of Directory Synchronization

Directory synchronization is the process of keeping two separate directory services synchronized, such that changes made to objects in one directory are propagated automatically to the other directory.

Directory synchronization between Windows 2000 Server Active Directory and Exchange Server 5.5 directory service enables you to initially populate a new Active Directory with Exchange Server 5.5 user attributes and objects. In addition, since Exchange Server 5.5 supports third-party e-mail directory services, you can copy third-party directory user attributes and objects into Exchange Server, and then from Exchange Server into Active Directory.

After the initial population of Active Directory, the two directories can sustain a productive coexistence. You can keep information consistent between Active Directory and Exchange Server 5.5 directory using preconfigured, automated synchronization operations.