---
title: "Scaling and configuring EXM Dispatch"
slug: "scaling-and-configuring-exm-dispatch"
abstract: "Options for scaling and configuring the Sitecore EXM Dispatch role."
---
# Scaling and configuring EXM Dispatch

The EXM Dispatch role is a Core role that has been configured to generate emails and dispatching them to the email message transfer agent (MTA).

## Installation

Use the Sitecore Installation Framework (SIF) or the Sitecore Azure Toolkit (SAT) to install the EXM Dispatch role. Refer to the [installation guide](https://dev.sitecore.net/Downloads/Sitecore_Experience_Platform.aspx) for your version of the platform for more information.

## Scaling the EXM Dispatch role

The following table describes the way you can scale the EXM Dispatch role:

| Scaling option | Supported | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Combined instance | Yes | The EXM Dispatch role should be dedicated to dispatching emails, however it must be combined with the [Content Management](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/102/platform-administration-and-architecture/content-management--cm-.html) role. |
| Standalone instance | No | You can not deploy the EXM DIspatch role as a standalone role. |
| High availability and failover | Yes | The combined EXM Dispatch role can be used as a fail-over [Content Management](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/102/platform-administration-and-architecture/content-management--cm-.html) role. |
| Horizontal scaling for load distribution | Yes | Multiple EXM Dispatch roles can be set up to speed up the message generation and sending process. |

## Performance tuning tasks

To improve the performance of your EXM Dispatch role, consider the following performance tuning options:

- See [Scaling and configuring Content Management](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/102/platform-administration-and-architecture/scaling-and-configuring-content-management.html "Scaling and configuring Content Management").

## Security configuration tasks

Refer to [the EXM Dispatch section of the Security guide](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/102/platform-administration-and-architecture/securing-experience-platform.html "Securing Experience Platform").

## General configuration tasks

The following general configuration tasks apply to the EXM Dispatch role:

- See [Configuring a dedicated email dispatch server](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/exm/102/email-experience-manager/configure-a-dedicated-email-dispatch-server-on-prem.html).

## Default topologies and packages

The following tables list the topologies that include the EXM Dispatch role and how the role is packaged by default.

> [!note]
> The EXM Dispatch role is available in Sitecore 9.0-Update 1 and onwards.

### Sitecore Installation Framework

The EXM Dispatch role is available in the following default topologies for the Sitecore Installation Framework:

| Topology | Web Deploy Packages | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| XP Single | `Sitecore 9.X.X rev. XXXXXX (OnPrem)_single.scwdp.zip` | The EXM Dispatch role is bundled with all other Core roles.<br><br>Not recommended in a production environment. |
| XP Scaled | `Sitecore 9.X.X rev. XXXXXX (OnPrem)_dds.scwdp.zip` | Standalone instance of the EXM Dispatch role. |

### Sitecore Azure Toolkit

The EXM Dispatch role is available in the following default topologies for the Sitecore Azure Toolkit:

| Topology | Web Deploy Packages | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| XP Single | `Sitecore 9.X.X rev. XXXXXX (Cloud)_single.scwdp.zip` | The EXM Dispatch role is bundled with all other Core roles.<br><br>Not recommended in a production environment. |
| XP Scaled | `Sitecore 9.X.X rev. XXXXXX (Cloud)_dds.scwdp.zip ` | Standalone instance of the EXM Dispatch role. |