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Should I cluster my exchange server?

I currently have a Windows 2003 network, running an Exchange 2003 Enterprise Server. I have the following:
- 140 users, growing to about 160 in next year
- priv.edb = 150GB
- priv.stm = 37GB
- user mailboxes over 2GB = 40

- I am looking into a mail archiving program at the moment, if we can afford it.

I wanted to cluster the exchange server for redundancy. Is this a good idea and what are good arguments on this, so I can explain it better to the check writers? Should I get 2 new servers and start from scratch and move all mailboxes to the new server and remove the old one?

Also, is it a good idea to put another exchange server in the network and have a front end & back end server?

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Sembee

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peakpeak

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kristinaw

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WPC479

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Thanks for all the great suggestions, I will split up point among all. I realize now that this should have been placed in a different section.

Kristinaw: I tried creating a 2nd sg. But I had a problem, I have users that need to add additional mailbox accounts in Outlook for access. If the user's account is in SG#1, and a second mailbox, say its named "Accounting", I could not open the mailbox. Even if all the correct rights are there.

Sembee

If the mailbox was already in Outlook when you moved it, you will need to drop it from Outlook and restart Outlook. Then add it back in again.

Simon.

WPC479

ASKER

moving to new SG actually worked this time, and I know I did the same thing now as before. No matter, it works. Thanks all for advice.