Exchange for 100 users at 8 locations - implementation question
The company has 70 desktops and roughly 22 laptops. About 13 of the laptops are outside sales people. The 70 desktops are spread across 8 offices. User numbers are 30, 15, 10, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4 at each office or somewhere close to that. I'd like to look at implementing an Exchange server this year. We are currently using a single Unix pop server. Would the ideal implementation be to have 1 central server and allow all clients to connect to it with Outlook through VPN, use the Outlook Web Access, or do a server at each location? Money is not unlimited, nor have I discussed the monetary amount with the 'approvers'. I'd like to have something to toss out to them to think about in delegating budget money for the year.We are currently not even on a Domain network environment. I'm working through the MCSE books right now though getting prepared for this.
January 4th, 2008 4:41pm

Well you'd definitely need AD/DNS well implemented first, but I'd imagine a single centralized exchange server would be fine with that small a user count. You could use rpc over https (re-branded outlook anywhere) to connect outlook clients from any location without a VPN.
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January 4th, 2008 7:23pm

Thanks for the reply. This company is still in a workgroup environment. It really limits me on a lot of corporate software packages. We'll have to move to domain in the near future just to keep up with the times.While we're on the subject, do you think I would be okay with just 1 domain controller at my main office with all of the remote locations coming in to it or have a seperate DC at the larger remote offices? I have fiber coming in to our main office, right now with 2 bonded T's, but can increase this up to 10mbit at any time. As stated before, I'm working through the MCSE books right now. I'm in the process of loading Server 2k3 on a second box as we speak, to continue working through the 70-290 book.
January 4th, 2008 7:32pm

I'd have at least 2 domain controlers total for fault tolerance, 1 will need to be on the same subnet as your exchange server, others you could place at remote offices. Also, server 2008 has a function called "Read Only Domain Controller" that only syncronizes accounts for specified branch offices. You may want to have a look at that as well. Good luck with the MCSE.
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January 4th, 2008 8:10pm

I just read up a bit on the RODC. It sounds like an AWESOME feature. With the MCSE books concentrating on 2003 though, how much different is Server 2008? I have an evaluation copy in my Action Pack. I guess I could answer my own question and install it.
January 4th, 2008 8:48pm

Good call. definitely play with 08 a bit, but don't let it mess you up on the MCSE tests!
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January 4th, 2008 11:09pm

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