What's stored on the Microsoft Relay Server?

[Bryan Campbell]

If you're running an instance of Groove without your own internal Relay
Server what information is being stored on the Microsoft Relay servers?

 

[Justin Rodino]

Hi Bryan,

In a short answer, not much really. Account information based on
GUID's, who is who, but aside of that it is just a "relay". More
in-depth information, and a good TechNet article about this can be found:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc261751.aspx

Biggest thing it really does is facilitate between two devices. As
Groove is "de-centralised" and peer-to-peer, there isn't data stored on
the servers, hence how Microsoft can really "afford" to provide this
service on little budget (no storage really needed, albeit millions of
"Groovers" on the net).

HTH,

Justin

 

[Frances Selkirk [MSFT]]

Good answer, Justin!

It's also worth noting that all Groove data is encrypted on the network, so
during the time that your data is on the public Relay, no one else can
access it. This includes Microsoft -- we do not have your private or
workspace keys. For more information, see this article:

"How Groove maintains the security of a workspace and helps protect data
that is sent over a non-secure network" at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;916359

Cheers!

 

[Justin Rodino]

....and Bryan, should you wish to read some more "Groovy" documents, you
can find some here:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc261735.aspx

Office Groove 2007 Auditing: Prescriptive guide
Groove Enterprise Services Security
Groove and SharePoint Integration
Groove Backup Options
Groove Security Architecture
Finding the Groove Relay Version
Safeguarding Your Groove Relay Password
How to Secure a Groove Server Manager Web Site
Groove 2007 Migration Planning
Phased Transition to Groove 2007
Comparing Groove Enterprise Service with Onsite Groove Server Manager

Enjoy - or feel free to ask us