I can't decide if I want a Geo Dispersed Exchange cluster, or have one exchange server and have Outlook use one server with OST files.
Each mail system above uses a different domain, we want to consoldate all e-mail to a new domain.
Please ask questions, as I am sure I have not given enough info.
ExchangeSBSMicrosoft 365 Enterprise
Last Comment
jasgot
8/22/2022 - Mon
exx1976
How many AD domains? How many forests?
What is your budget?
What do the roaming users have for devices? Are they only using laptops? Are they using OWA from random locations? Are they using OMA? Is there a need for security? Do Blackberries make sense? How many users are we talking about?
jasgot
ASKER
Three domains, three Forests...right now.
No budget issues, but I'm not interested in overkill either.
All laptops. I dn't think anyone uses OWA, but a few might. Many have balckberries, but they are not connected. Approx 100 users across 4 locations.
exx1976
if it's all laptops, do the roaming users have vpns? & no, no overkill, but there's a difference between no budget, & some budget. Everyone wants something for nothing...
is bes a fit? This would at least get all company mail onto a compny mailserver & off yahoo & gmail...
Will BES work with Outlook the way Exchange does? I like the ability to collaborate with calendars.
exx1976
BES runs on top of Exchange. It removes the need for OMA/EAS, and allows Blackberry devices to SECURELY communicate with Exchange (you don't have to open any ports on the firewall, and usernames/passwords are not transmitted).
You'll still need Exchange.
Now.. The whole issue of multiple forests, that's going to be a bigger deal. who has been charged with AD consolidation? With how tightly integrated Exchange is with AD, we'll need to know the propsed new AD layout before we can start making any recommendations here...
jasgot
ASKER
I'm guessing it wouldn't be a disaster to start over. Most people are only logging on to get access to shares.
And put a DC in each location, and tie all locations through VPN?
exx1976
Oh, my apologies.. I had [improperly] assumed all locations were already connected...
VPN or leased lines will need to be determined by you, & what your bandwidth requirements are.
Pleacement of DCs and other things (file servers, etc) depends on the # of users in each site, what the connection is between each site, things like that.
jasgot
ASKER
It is okay to have a DC in all locations? Should the DCs replicate? This scenario will allow all users in all locations to log in even if they are temporarily disconnected from the other sites?
Yes, but do not let the "temporary disconnections" become a regular thing. AD likes to be in constant communication with all domain controllers, and will throw errors and complain like mad when one goes away.
jasgot
ASKER
Thanks. I'll be back for more info. But this takes care of my immediate needs.
What is your budget?
What do the roaming users have for devices? Are they only using laptops? Are they using OWA from random locations? Are they using OMA? Is there a need for security? Do Blackberries make sense? How many users are we talking about?