The Active Directory Connector (ADC) has existed since Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server's debut. The ADC's function is to synchronize information from the Exchange Server 5.5 Directory Service (DS) to Active Directory (AD) so that a mixed-mode Exchange organization containing Exchange 5.5 and Exchange Server 2003 or Exchange 2000 servers has one consistent view of user and configuration information.
Although the ADC has undergone many improvements since its inception (most notably Exchange 2003 Service Pack 1's—SP1's—support for cross-site mailbox moves), the ADC's core functionality remains the same. But not all the mechanisms that underlie that functionality are well understood. Studying these mechanisms will help you properly implement an ADC-based synchronization environment. In a subsequent article, I'll describe how to fine-tune the ADC.
Synchronizing Hidden Objects
You can hide objects in the Exchange 5.5 DS from the Global Address List (GAL). Hidden objects, which can include mailboxes, custom recipients, and distribution lists (DLs), have a Hide-From-Address-Book attribute value of 1. By default, Exchange Administrator doesn't display hidden objects in recipient containers. To see hidden objects, you must select Hidden Recipients from Exchange Administrator's View menu. . . .
