Unified Messaging Server Objects

In Active Directory, the Unified Messaging server object is a logical representation of the physical Exchange 2010 Unified Messaging Server. The UM server objects can be found in the Exchange Management Console in the Server Configuration, Unified Messaging container.

The Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging service (umservice.exe) is the service that instantiates the unified messaging functionality that runs under the Local System account. It is dependent on the Microsoft Exchange Active Directory Topology service.

The major configuration task for the Unified Messaging server object is to specify the associated dial plans, of which there can be more than one as in Figure 20.7. The Unified Messaging server must be associated with a dial plan to function. The other configurable parameters for the service are the maximum concurrent calls (default is 100) and maximum concurrent faxes (default is 100).

The Unified Messaging server checks for changes when the service is started and every 10 minutes thereafter. Changes take effect as soon as they are detected by the server.

After determining the dial plans for which it is associated, the server then locates and establishes communications with the appropriate IP/VoIP gateways.

Much like the UM IP gateway, the Unified Messaging server is created as enabled. The server can be disabled through the Exchange Management Console or through the Exchange Management Shell for graceful shutdown or maintenance. This can be executed either immediately (which disconnects any current calls) or when specifying to disable after completing calls. The latter mode disables the server for any new calls but does not disconnect current calls. Any current calls are allowed to complete.