Internet/Email via network

[deej]

Hi
I have an office running NT Server and 5 clients (3 - NT4 & 2 Win98).These are currently running in a domain enviroment with one client setup for the internet to update files on the network and for email.
Due to business expansion I require email and internet access available for all clients on demand.A friend has recommended that I use proxy server and exchange connected to BT highway and setup the clients to go through this dedicated line.
The questions I have are:-
-Is this the most cost effective way of achieving this without physically putting seperate modems in each client?
As Proxy and Exchange licences aren't cheap!
-If these are the best products to use can these applications be setup so that they connect upon demand from a client as opposed to having to manually connect from the server first as a permanent connection would cost too much
-If it is able to connect on demand how do I set it up
Thanks....Dave

 

[polymath5]

Check out MDaemon from Deerfield. It's a great email server POP3 and SMTP. Doesn't have the group scheduling stuff. But you don't sound like you need it. Backup is easy, unlike Exchange.
It can pick up email from an ISP mailbox or you could have your ISP act as relay

You could use a software or hardware firewall/router. I prefer hardware, but that's up to you. I use a Watchgard Firebox II/Cisco combo, but you could probably get away with something less, just depends on budget <g>.