Best server hardware/software package Exhange

JGBR · 17 Apr 2011 at 10:29

I'm really quite confused on this whole buisness of what software to go for.

If I "do it myself".

So I've got a lot of remote users, they don't need user spaces or login but what we do need is a lot of email address. This means exchange (OWA) support.

In light of this, a server would be used mostly for exchange and self hosted/looked after.

What do people recommend?

SBS seems ok - but user CAL's seem a pain etc.

I'd estimate less then 75 users (however less then 75 users but well over 100 email addresses) but also the plan possibly more then 75

Best hardware too? Dell server etc?

droyden · 17 Apr 2011 at 12:25

If all the users need is webmail do you really need exchange?

mrlizard · 17 Apr 2011 at 12:45

SBS is easy to setup and works out of the box, the limitation of 75 users is limit enforced by the OS, that doesnt however mean that the hardware can take it, i currently support 60+sbs servers (among other flavours) and it depends entirely what you need to do. Most businesses in my experience find sbs restrivtive when they hit 40+ users.

Sharepoint and RWW is nice and works well with sbs, Terminal Services is great as well but if you dont need any of them maybe no point in going sbs...

OWA however comes with any version of exchange, just requires IIS to setup. Exchange 07 and 2010 offer quite powerful mail rules on the server side and OWA in the newer versions looks great. Microsoft actually do hosted exchange now as well but if you want the management and flexibility i wouldnt bother with hosted.

JGBR · 17 Apr 2011 at 13:55

Well i guess my concern is future proofing SBS

A) i need more then 75 email addresses
B) At present I have nearly 75 users but non of them actually have userspace, login etc as they are all remote.

any ideas?

Im weighing up the leased line do it yourself (and as this post says what hardware/software) v outsourcing

NightShadow · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:33

What method are the users currently using to get email? Do they make use of calendars or mailbox/calendar sharing or distribution lists?

paradigm · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:39

Hosted exchange would suit you to the ground IMO.

mrlizard · 18 Apr 2011 at 12:16

hosted exchange is great if you dont require a ridiculous amount of domains and complex email routing..

Even if people are not logging in locally you still require user licenses for SBS if they have an account they can access on an individual basis even only using owa...

for future proofing im not convinced you want SBS, either a hyperv box with win2008 and exchange 2007/2010 or hosted exchange.

JGBR · 18 Apr 2011 at 19:30

Presumably the arguement goes with co-locating a server or renting a dedicated one.

I wonder how to secure the email system on a remote dedicated server...