We are reviewing our infrastructure and are currently considering going to 2010 from 2003. At present we only have 1 backend server for less than 150 mailboxes using Outlook and OWA. I've read alot about different 'models' and setups and am confused. Could we: Upgrade our current setup to 2010 Have one 'backend' server Thanks Tony

First off you can't perform an in-place upgrade of Exchange 2003 to 2010 (it will be a side-by-side migration). Yes, you can have just one server in your environment and have full functionality. Start with the following links: Pre-Deployment Analyzer: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=88b304e7-9912-4cb0-8ead-7479dab1abf2&displaylang=en Deployment Assistant: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exdeploy2010/default.aspx#Index Tim Harrington | MVP: Exchange | MCITP: EMA 2007/2010, MCITP: Server 2008, MCTS: OCS | Blog: http://HowDoUC.blogspot.com | Twitter: @twharrington

Hello I agree with Tim you need to install new server for exchange 2010 for migrating mailboxes Before Installing you need to prepare schema , AD and Domain Exhchange 2010 is 64bit Application you need minimum 64bit OS l Install all the pre-requisites for exchange 2010 on Windows 2008 R2 after that you install exchange 2010 sp1 Here is the step by step Procedure for Transition http://www.simple-talk.com/sysadmin/exchange/upgrade-exchange-2003-to-exchange-2010/Thanks Mhussain

Hello Tony, In addition to Tim and MMHussain. You can also check upgrade webcast. Thanks

tony additon to above there is few more thing you consider about. 1) hardware upgrade - since no inplace upgrade you need to think about the hardware. 2) if you running with 2000 AD you need to check about how you going to upgrade it. 3) after done the migration you can bring old 2003 server down and test every thing before remove old exchange 2003 from the organization. take look at here as well http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd638130.aspx Dishan M. Francis www.rebeladmin.com

Hi Tony, Please also check the following articles, http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa998604.aspx http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/11/20/453272.aspx Best regards, SerenaPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.