Over the last several months there has been significant chatter around what is background database maintenance and why is it important for Exchange 2010 databases. Hopefully this article will answe...
Updated Jul 01, 2019
Version 2.0
Blog Post
@Pavel - Ross already made the statement in the article "Many assume the answer is to perform an offline defragmentation of the database using ESEUTIL. However, that's not our recommendation.". He goes on to explain why in detail and the better alternative that accomplishes the same goal.
The additional benefit to using Ross's recommendation alternative is that unlike an an offline defragmentation where you have to have the database offline and mailboxes be unavailable the entire time, the new database and mailbox move is practically transparent to the end user.
So please tell the admins you see using offline defragmentation to please stop and consider alternative methods to accomplish the same goals.