We considered using Exchange but decided not to for the reasons that you
outline.
There is another alternative; our ISP Netlink offer a POP mailbox service
(I'm sure there are others that do the same) as part of our hosting package.
Essentially this gives us up to 25 POP mailboxes which can be accessed over
any Internet connection and linked to using a software package, such as
Outlook.
The mailname will be based around a domain name which you have registered,
but as well as allowing 25 mailboxes, you can also set up aliases which
allow you for example, to have [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
pointing to a different e-mail address. This is also useful for setting up
mailing lists, we have several for our internal and external use, where you
can attach multiple e-mail addresses to a single e-mail name, like
[log in to unmask]
Administration is all conducted through password-controlled forms on the
web.
Finally, we use the shared folders facility within Outlook 2000 that allows
you to share any folder on your mail program, apart from your inbox. This is
all handled by "invisible" e-mails, that once set-up will automatically
forward any changes in your diary to the nominated recipients, who can
add/amend/browse you diary on their Outlook system. This works anywhere in
the world, as long as they have an internet e-mail address and Outlook.
The downside to this approach is that all out e-mail is via the Internet,
but considering we were quoted about 5,000 pounds to deploy an Exchange
server, and this has cost us about 250 pounds, you can see why I'm happy
with my choice!
Chris Meaney (AIMC)
Managing Director
========================================================================
Harvard Consultancy Services Ltd, Bexin House, 2/3 St. Andrews Place
Southover Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UP
Tel: 01273 897517, Fax: 01273 471929, E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
Registered in England & Wales no. 3766540
Registered Office: 50 Harvard Close, Malling, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2EJ.
-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Peter Cheer
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 12:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Running Exchange Server
Sue
We have been running MS Exchange Server at the Scottish Museums Council
since last May and it has both good and bad points.
The program looks very complex because it is loaded with features that are
designed for large corporate users with more than one site to manage. If you
do not have to cope with hundreds of users spread over multiple sites the
admin tasks are quite easy to manage.
If you are using MS Outlook as a mail / calendar / diary solution running
Exchange will enable a range of work group features that can be useful.
However, MS Exchange is happiest running on its' own dedicated machine,
sharing with other applications can cause problems. Also to link up with an
external e-mail provider you need an SMTP feed, there are plenty of software
solutions that offer a hook up between Exchange and a POP 3 account but they
do not enjoy a very good reputation.
On balance we have had Exchange for a while now and it has not given any
problems.
Hope this helps.
Peter Cheer
Peter Cheer
Information Technology Officer
tel 0131 476 8462
[log in to unmask]
Scottish Museums Council
20-22 Torphichen St, Edinburgh EH3 8JB.
Tel +131 229 7462. Fax +131 229 2728.
E-mail [log in to unmask]
Web http://www.scottishmuseums.org.uk
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