Add Exchange to 2003 domain

[derf238]

About six months ago installed a new 2003 server as DC, DNS, file storage and to run a couple of very small apps for a new company of 12 users. Used an HP ML350. Plans in the next couple of years are to grow to 25 users.
Now the company wants to bring thier email in-house to use out-of-office messages and shared contacts/calendars. One thought is to install an additional Exchange server to the domain, the other is to upgrade the hardware on the present server and install Exchange. Again, the present server is only runnig a couple of sporadically used apps. The bulk of it is for Word, Excel and PDF docs. If I do upgrade this box, should I go all out with a second processor, 3gb of Ram and an additional drive cage to put logs on one, email data on the other and the apps and files on the third? After the cost of that would it make sense to just install another server? If so, what specs?
Thanks in advance for valued insight.

 

[Marcs41]

12 users? Go SBS 2003, that is a LOT cheaper, and Exchange is included.

Marc
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[derf238]

The present server has 2003 standard on it already. Please explain. are you saying I should uninstall standard and reinstall SBS? How will that affect when the company is at 25 users next year. What about the hardware upgrade?

 

[Marcs41]

Hardware: MEMORY, as much as possible, the rest is less important, besides enough diskspace of course, but we are only talking up to 25 users here.

SBS 2003 is cheaper then adding Exchange, and you get the whole range in one package, and more. When users need to be added, you just purchase an extra CAL pack.
This is just a proposal based on financial reasons.

You can just add Exchange to your current setup of course.

SBS has more packages included, that may be a better option in the log run, check it out:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/top.mspx

Marc
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[derf238]

Will I ahave to blow away the server and completly reinstall everything?

 

[Marcs41]

yup, that is the drawback..

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!
How Do I Get Great Answers To my Tek-Tips Questions?} See faq222-2244