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Integrating a Windows SBS 2000 Server with Exchange into Mac network
I have agreed to help my old company (Comp1) move offices, they are merging with another company (Comp2). Up until now they had told me that the two windows machines in the Comp2 would be discarded and all users switched to the Macs in Comp1.
However, while visiting them today, they casually mentioned that they have a server sitting in another room. On investigation it is running Windows SBS 2000, and MS Exchange. It also appears to be a 'master domain controller' although I have only a basic knowledge of what this means.
I would like to transfer all users over to the Macs, running OSX 10.3 with a server on OSX Server 10.3, and set that up as the Open Directory Master, but am not sure what to do about the Exchange Server. Comp1 does not have an internal mail server, downloading all mail to individual client machines from the ISP. If necessary could I just use the Windows server for Exchange, but remove the Directory setup? I'm concerned that this may mess up the Exchange settings...
Does anyone have advice (apart from 'walk away!' which isn't really an option at this stage), or pointers to resources that can help to plan what to do?
However, while visiting them today, they casually mentioned that they have a server sitting in another room. On investigation it is running Windows SBS 2000, and MS Exchange. It also appears to be a 'master domain controller' although I have only a basic knowledge of what this means.
I would like to transfer all users over to the Macs, running OSX 10.3 with a server on OSX Server 10.3, and set that up as the Open Directory Master, but am not sure what to do about the Exchange Server. Comp1 does not have an internal mail server, downloading all mail to individual client machines from the ISP. If necessary could I just use the Windows server for Exchange, but remove the Directory setup? I'm concerned that this may mess up the Exchange settings...
Does anyone have advice (apart from 'walk away!' which isn't really an option at this stage), or pointers to resources that can help to plan what to do?
ASKER
Hi Jeff
Thanks for replying and for your advice. I understand what you are saying about SBS 2000 being unsupported, that may explain why the two support companies I have contacted have not got back to me!
Taking your advice, ideally I would like to do the following:
" Set up the OSX Server as the Open Directory master
" Set up entirely new user accounts on the OSX server
" Move all user files (as far as I know there are only Word and Excel files) from the SBS Server to corresponding user folders on the OSX server
" Set up user mail accounts to download mail directly from the ISP, perhaps using IMAP protocols to simulate (poorly I admit) some basic Exchange functionality
" Abandon the SBS server completely
Do you think this is feasible?
Although an X-Serve would be great, I don't think they have the budget for it at the moment.
Many thanks again
Thanks for replying and for your advice. I understand what you are saying about SBS 2000 being unsupported, that may explain why the two support companies I have contacted have not got back to me!
Taking your advice, ideally I would like to do the following:
" Set up the OSX Server as the Open Directory master
" Set up entirely new user accounts on the OSX server
" Move all user files (as far as I know there are only Word and Excel files) from the SBS Server to corresponding user folders on the OSX server
" Set up user mail accounts to download mail directly from the ISP, perhaps using IMAP protocols to simulate (poorly I admit) some basic Exchange functionality
" Abandon the SBS server completely
Do you think this is feasible?
Although an X-Serve would be great, I don't think they have the budget for it at the moment.
Many thanks again
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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I'm just curious... was there something else you needed to do to resolve this problem other than what I suggested? Because you gave a grade of "B" which would indicate that my answer wasn't complete.
Perhaps because you are new to EE you aren't quite familiar with the way grades are given. Please review https://www.experts-exchange.com/help.jsp#hi97 for more info.
Thanks.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
Perhaps because you are new to EE you aren't quite familiar with the way grades are given. Please review https://www.experts-exchange.com/help.jsp#hi97 for more info.
Thanks.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
ASKER
Hi Jeff
Sorry, as you surmised I am new to this. Your answer was very helpful and certainly helped me with my decision. Under the circumstances it was a 'complete' solution, and I'm sorry if I didn't indicate that. Can I go back and change the 'grade' (feel like a teacher!) or is it signed off now?
Sorry, as you surmised I am new to this. Your answer was very helpful and certainly helped me with my decision. Under the circumstances it was a 'complete' solution, and I'm sorry if I didn't indicate that. Can I go back and change the 'grade' (feel like a teacher!) or is it signed off now?
No problem, the question is now reopened for you to close as you see fit. :-)
Thanks.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
Thanks.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
ASKER
Hope this is better Jeff!
It also makes little sense to move the Mac users onto an old Exchange Server that really should be retired or upgraded.
So the real question is... what do they have of value on the Windows network? Is it just data? That can easily be migrated to another network by moving it to a USB hard drive. Then, configure their email the same way they are doing it now (even though that's really not great for a business).
Perhaps you should think about getting an Apple X-Serve? http://www.apple.com/xserve/
Jeff
TechSoEasy