MsXCache Test

This test monitors the performance of Exchange Server Directory, the server-side core component.

The Microsoft Exchange Server directory contains objects that are the principal means for applications to find and access services, mailboxes, recipients, public folders, and other addressable objects within the messaging system.

The directory consists of two components:

• Directory database
• Directory service agent.

The directory database stores directory information like recipients, distribution lists, servers, and messaging infrastructure. The directory service agent manipulates the information in the directory database and handles directory requests from applications and services.

Target of the test : An MS Exchange Server 5.5

Agent deploying the test : An internal agent

Outputs of the test : One set of results for every Exchange Server 5.5 being monitored.

Configurable parameters for the test

Parameters	Description
Test Period	This indicates how often should the test be executed.
Host	The IP address of the machine where the Exchange Server 5.5 is installed.
Port	The port number through which the Exchange Server 5.5 communicates. The default port number is 25.

Measurements made by the test

Measurement	Description	Measurement Unit	Interpretation
Cache hit ratio	This measure indicates the percentage of database requests that were fulfilled by the Exchange directory cache without causing a Input/Output operation.	Percent	A zero value for this measure may indicate that the Exchange Server 5.5 is not performing any activity on the Exchange directory or no operations are happening on the Exchange Server 5.5 itself. A non-zero value indicates that the directory service has found the required objects in the directory cache thereby reducing the access. A high value for this measure ensures better performance of the Exchange Server 5.5.