Configuring access to messages when the mail server or MAS goes offline

You can configure the MAS to continue backup service when a mail server or the MAS goes offline.

When the MAS goes offline

When the MAS goes offline, subscribers cannot access their messages using e-mail. However, you can configure the MAS so that while it is offline, subscribers can continue to access call answer messages using their telephones. During the time the MAS is offline, however, they cannot send or receive voice mail messages.

When a mail server goes offline

When initially installed, an MAS is configured to have a single Microsoft Exchange server handle message storage and processing for subscribers. This Exchange server is known as the primary peer server. Each MAS in the system configuration has an assigned primary peer server, though all MASs may share the same primary peer server.

You can identify and configure additional peer servers within the voice mail domain that can handle messaging on behalf of subscribers if the primary peer server fails. Thus, if the primary peer server for an MAS fails, the MAS can search for another peer server to allow messaging to continue. Each MAS in the system is assigned its own list of non-primary peer servers for backup relief.


Notes: If the primary peer server fails and the MAS switches control to a non-primary peer server, subscribers whose mailboxes are on that peer server can only access call answer messages (assuming offline access is also administered). Voice mail messages can neither be sent nor accessed while a non-primary peer server controls messaging. If the primary peer server fails and the MAS switches control to a non-primary peer server, subscribers whose mailboxes are on other mail servers that are still online will continue to receive normal messaging service.

Your peer messaging servers must be installed and configured in the same way as that of the primary peer server.