For the past several months the University has been systematically laying the foundation to significantly strengthen our enterprise Information systems. This is a major effort and it is long overdue. We began with NET3, the design and construction of a new industrial strength high-speed optical network that would be an enterprise grade, unified communications and collaboration platform capable of tying together our teaching, research and administrative functions.

We followed NET3 with the successful implementation of the first two PeopleSoft modules (Human Resources and Payroll). We have just finished a series of necessary improvements to the University’s electrical, hvac, network, storage, security and computing operations.

Because of this work, we are now able to introduce a new Exchange platform that should improve the reliability of the University’s messaging system and the management of our computing infrastructure. FYI, in addition to key government partners such as NIH and NSF, many other research universities use the Exchange Platform. These include:

An overview of Howard University’s Messaging Upgrade Process

Beginning in January, we implemented a series of upgrades:
Step 1: Migration from the unsupported Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003
Step 2: Upgrade from the unsupported NT4 to Active Directory 2003
Step 3: Migration from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007

We have successfully completed Steps 1 and 2. We are now preparing to complete Step 3.
This third step will bring the University’s Faculty, Staff and Students onto Microsoft’s most robust and advanced email platform: Exchange 2007.

What changes will end-users experience with the new Exchange 2007 email system?

The final step in the migration will be a server-side migration with very little discernible impact to the University’s end-user community.

There are two (2) noticeable differences between the “legacy” Exchange 5.5 email system and the new Exchange 2007 email system:

(1) New web address / URL for “webmail” or Outlook Web Access:
Howard University ’s URL for accessing web-based email via an Internet browser has been changed to: https://webmail.howard.edu

(2) New Outlook Web Access / “webmail” interface
Exchange 2007 introduces an updated OWA/webmail interface that provides features very similar to the Outlook Desktop Client.  A User Guide that describes the new Outlook Web Access client can be accessed at the following URL / web address: http://www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/webmail.htm

Macintosh Users

Many Macintosh users have already reconfigured their email clients (Entourage and Apple MAIL) following the first migration from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003. No additional configuration changes will be required as a result of the migration to Exchange 2007. Information on the configuration settings required for both Entourage and Apple MAIL clients may be found at the following URLs / web addresses:

Entourage Client Configuration Settings:
http://www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/entourage.htm

Apple MAIL Configuration Settings:
www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/apple-mail.htm
Note: Entourage and MAIL users may also call the ISAS HelpDesk (806-2020) for assistance with configuring email account settings.

When will the Migration to Exchange 2007 Occur?

Migrations will occur overnight starting at 8:00 pm during the week of March 17th. Users will be notified by email one day prior to their email data being migrated.

What will users experience during the migration?

As email data is migrated to the new Exchange 2007 system, users will experience “intermittent” access to their email. Therefore, it is recommended that users not attempt to access their email during their scheduled migration period.

Will my password be affected?

No. The migration to Exchange 2007 will not require a password change or reset.

Will I receive emails sent to me while my email is being migrated?

Yes. All emails (internal and external) will be “queued up” and delivered following the completion of the migration.

Will VPN / Remote Connectivity be affected?

Remote VPN services will work normally following the migration to Exchange 2007. No changes to VPN settings will be required following the migration.

How will support be provided?

The ISAS HelpDesk will have augmented support from Microsoft to assist with post-migration email-related issues. Any issues should be immediately reported to the HelpDesk team by calling 806-2020.

Hassan Minor, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President
Strategic Planning, Operations and External Affairs
Chief Technology Officer