Mimecast Synchronization Engine - Calendar Replication

This article covers using Calender Replication. Using the Mimecast Synchronization Engine, the Calendar Replication feature uses native Exchange entry points to extract calendar appointments (including attachments) from Exchange mailboxes and submits this data to the Mimecast platform, where it is made available to end users via the Mimecast Personal Portal.

Considerations

The following considerations apply to calendar replication tasks:

• The first time a mailbox is processed, all appointments and calendars are replicated to the Mimecast platform. This includes uploading all attachments found on calendar appointments.
• Depending on the number of appointments in the calendar(s) and the number of attachments that need to be uploaded, this task can take a considerable amount of time to complete.
• Once the first full replication of a calendar is complete, a state file for the mailbox is saved to the Mimecast Synchronization Engine server.
• This state file is linked to the Mimecast Synchronization Engine site and the task that the mailbox is processed by:
  • It allows all subsequent mailbox replications to leverage Exchange's incremental change system. This only replicates changes since the last replication.
  • Consequently, all replications post the first full replication are significantly faster to complete per mailbox.
  • The mailbox must be processed by the same Mimecast Synchronization Engine site and Exchange task to enable this. Changing the task results in full replications starting over again.

Creating a Calendar Replication Definition

Administrators must create a Calendar Replication Definition to define the settings used for the Calendar Replication feature. This definition must be applied to an Exchange Task and can be applied to multiple Exchange tasks.

To create the Calendar Replication Definition, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to the Mimecast Administration Console.
2. Select the Archive | Exchange Services menu item.
3. Click on the Exchange Definitions button.
4. Select the Calendar Replication menu item.
5. Click on the New Replication Definition button.
6. Complete the dialog as follows:

Field / Option	Description
Description	Type a description for the Calendar Replication definition.
Include Calendars	Specify the calendars to be replicated from the drop-down list. The options are: Default: Only the default calendar is replicated All Calendars: All calendars found in the mailbox are replicated. This option must be selected if users need to view non-default calendars (e.g., calendars they have created themselves).

7. Click the Save and Exit button.

Next Step(s)

If you have not already done so, you must configure a Schedule for the Exchange Task outlined in the two articles below. 

1. Create an Exchange Task in the Administration Console. This is where you select your definition and schedule and apply it to group(s) and/or users.

2. Create a Task Schedule in the Administration Console. This is where you define when the Task Schedule runs.