MsXMailRetrieval Test

This test monitors the performance of Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) and Internet Messaging Access Protocol (IMAP).

POP3 is an Internet protocol that allows a POP3 client to download e-mail from the messaging server like Exchange Server 5.5. This protocol works well for computers that are unable to maintain a continuous connection to a messaging server. Microsoft Exchange Server implements this protocol as a process of the information store.

Internet Messaging Access Protocol (IMAP) works like POP3. This protocol enables clients to access and manipulate messages stored within their mailboxes. Unlike POP3, IMAP4 allows a user to access multiple e-mail folders, search through a mailbox, and maintain read and unread message flags. In addition, a user can download an entire message or a portion of a message, such as an attachment. Like POP3, IMAP4 also runs as a process of the information store.

Target of the test : A Microsoft 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

Current POP3 connections

This measure shows the number of current POP3 connections to the server.

Number

A high value for this measure indicates that a large number of POP3 clients are connected to the Exchange Server 5.5.

This measure helps the administrator in planning or upgrading the following parameters:

  • Server’s memory requirements
  • Control of unnecessary traffic on the mail server
  • Server’s processing capabilities

Current IMAP connections

This measure shows the number of current IMAP connections to the server.

 

Number

A high value for this measure indicates that a large number of IMAP clients are connected to the Exchange Server 5.5.

This measure helps the administrator in planning or upgrading the following parameters:

  • Server’s memory requirements
  • Control of unnecessary traffic on the mail server
  • Server’s processing capabilities

Current POP3 waits

This measure shows the number of outstanding requests from POP3 clients.

Number

A high value for this measure indicates that either Exchange Server 5.5 is down or Exchange Server is overloaded with jobs.

Current IMAP waits

This measure shows the number of outstanding requests from IMAP clients.

Number

A high value for this measure indicates that either the Exchange Server 5.5 is down or Exchange Server is overloaded with jobs.