front end/back end configuration

[alicep]

I am in the process of upgrading our exchange 5.5 server to a newly purchased Windows 2000 server with Exchange 2000 server.

I would like to implement pop3/http access to our users via the internet. I have read that a front end/backend server would do this. The backend server would host the mailboxes behind our firewall. The front end would be located in our firewall DMZ.

I read that the Exchange 2000 front end must be the enterprise version. The enterprise version is more expensive than the standard (which is what we bought). Can anyone verify that this is correct? Are there other mail server programs (exchange 5.5) that could be used as a front end? I have read so many white papers that my head is swimming. We have about 117 users and may add 30 more this year.

Thanks, Alice

 

[dput]

Standard version of Exchange 2000 will not do a front end/back end configuration. What is even worse, is that my understanding is that to do a front end/back end would require 2 Exchange Server licenses. You may want to look at using SSL with your server, not as good, but reasonable cost.

Dan

 

[alicep]

Dan,

I already did purchase the second exchange standard version license. I spoke with our Microsoft licensing support and there is no upgrade from standard to enterprise, so it will cost too much money to implement the front end backend solution. I found some instructions on how to use Exchange 5.5 Outlook web access with an exchange 2000 server. I am going to try that and see what happens.

Thanks for responding.
Alice