Exchange Server or GoDaddy email?

[hoemee]

Not sure if this is where to post this - but need some feedback......we are using Exchange Server 2003 for our emails and it is working great.....but, also looking to upgrade server(s)....does anyone have any recommendations as far as upgrading server and going to Exchange 2007 or should we look at a cost savings and go with either Google or GoDaddy email and get rid of one physical server?

Thank you

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Hi,

IDK what your existing "server farm" looks like, or how many users you need to service, or how many domain names you have, so it could depend on that...

Personally, I would go with an Exchange server as it is (most likely) going to be much more manageable than any external service... At home I use (and at most of my previous work [an outsourced helpdesk] we used to use) SBS server/s and that had Exchange built in..

It also has a bunch of other services/applications/whatever built in (or available to include within one server) so it could be an ideal option for you to switch to - the main limitation is that you can only have a maximum of 75 client computers active at any one point, IIRC...

[hoemee]

Thank you for the reply - currently have one 2003 small business server using the Exchange that came with it. Running Peachtree Quantum, Kaspersky Enterprise Security, and a few small database programs. We are using an external hard drive and Carbonite for off site backups. The server is a Gateway product, 3+ years old. So we are looking to replace the server and also upgrade for improved service. I am working with someone locally to plan this - they are recommending three seperate servers - one for exchange, one for terminal services and one for file and print. The terminal services services is to start to accommodate remote users at a separate off site location. Peachtree does not work with VPN and we are limited to 2 RDP sessions with the SBS......and RDP is not really what is called for to use Peachtree remotely. We are looking to deploy 2 hardware firewalls one at each location and run a VPN solution that way.
Since we have deployed Exchange server - great - zero problems and zero downtime(just jinxed us)....however, at first glance the GoDaddy or Google solution is very attractive...no hardware worries, they support it - ya, I know about telephone support. I need some solid reasons to stay with the Exchange solution......
.....about 10 employees right now...

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Hi, am browsing from the BlackBerry - in the bedroom - and after/while drinking, so can't read it properly or research it, but my thoughts at a glance....and from previous commercial experience:

I would prolly suggest that you think about going for an SBS server and a TS server, from what you said above. The SBS can do the DC and F&P services; you're talking about going for a hardware firewall, so you won't want/need to use the VPN option - and as there are so few users the SBS limitation/s aren't relevant to you.....

I'll have another look tomorrow, but that should do all of what you want, and be the most cost effective solution too - especially if you've already got the SBS......