Current system:
We have a Win 2K Advanced Server, running SQL server and operating as a file server at our main office with a few machines, laptops, wireless network etc. This is running as a workgroup only, everything on public static IP addresses with a separate hardware firewall on the internet connection.
We run hosting services in Telehouse (London) and our web server, ftp site and email server (not exchange) are located there (Win 2K AS again) - this will remain unchanged.
I've been looking at setting up Exchange 2003 on the main office server so that I can more easily synchronise my email between main machine, pocket pc, tablet pc, plus access it via Outlook Web access when I'm out of the office. At the moment I have to do 5 syncs to get data to and from the tablet PC, via the pocket PC and its prone to error!
I now have an additional office and I'd like to enable the two employees there to participate in the network, so will setup a VPN tunnel between the firewalls (the firewalls can tunnel, but its not encrypted - I believe a VPN comes with SBS 2003).
Using Exchange will also mean that I have a single backup point for the data for all users and can host shared calendars/folders. We also need a central document store!
I'm also looking to upgrade all users to Office 2003 (currently on Office 2000/XP) - hence the interest as I'd like to stage the upgrades, in the right order!
The question is, what is the best way to achieve this? (if its sensible at all!)
Can I easily upgrade my existing Win2K AS machine to SBS 2003 or should I stick with my existing Win2K AS + SQL machine and just install Exchange 2003 on it?
The MS site says you can upgrade from W2K Server Standard edition - does that mean only 'Server' or is 'Advanced Server' included?
Licensing costs aren't an issue as I'm in an MS partner program and have all the software I've mentioned already.
Maximum points on offer as this is a pretty complex scenario and I'd like to start the upgrades this weekend!!
Thanks.
