Going to implement an Exchange Server

What do I need?

[SEOMike]

We are going to implement an exchange server. Where do I need to start? Is Exchange 5.5 a good system? Will we be limited by it? Should I look at a newer version? We are trying to keep initial costs down.

What would you recommend for a machine to handle this? It'll be popping mail from our Unix email server. Does this machine need to be heavy-duty, or will a lesser approach work?

Any books you would recommend on setting up / optimizing / maintaining Exchange?

Thanks!
-M

[Str0ud]

SEO Mike,
there are a LOT of factors that need to be considered when setting up an Exchange 5.5 environment. I have been running it for 6 years now and find it to be rock solid once configured. I will suggest that you read Paul Robichaux's book "Managing Microsoft Exchange Server" from cover to cover a couple of times before you spend any money on hardware. Good luck.

[Warren]

Exchange 5.5 is now two versions old - replaced by Exchange 2000 and then 2003. Exchange 5.5 doesn't recquire Active Directory but 2000 does. 2003 (I believe but haven't done much with it) can run with or without Active Directory.

Their were some major enhancments from 5.5 to 2000 in terms of the improvments to Outlook Web Access, which have been further improved with 2003.

Whilst 5.5 is extremely stable, it would be nearing the end of it's "supported" life. Which means any security fixes, bug patches etc will not be made available for it.

Depending on the number of users, you may wish to look at SBS (Small Business Server). If this doesn't meet your needs, another alternative is to become a Microsoft Certified Partner, which does provide you with access to a variety of sever software and development tools at a fraction of the cost. And these can be used in a production environment i.e. to support a business.

One of the best places to start is [microsoft.com...] . It has a mix of technical, business (licensing) and design documents.

Warren

[Brett_Tabke]

I also checkout some of the compatables like Mdaemon.

[altn.com...]