Is this setup going to be ok? 2

[norstarboston]

In the early stages of planning an upgrade to exchange 2007 (both Hardware and Software). We have about 100 users and mailboxes average about 500mb each. How does these specs look? Thanks

Hardware:
Dell Power Edge 2950
*(DUAL)Quad Core Xeon Processor E53452x4MB Cache, 2.33GHz, 1333MHz FSB
* 8GB Memory
* (Dual Raid 1) 36GB, SAS, 3.5-inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive (for system)
* (Triple Raid 5)146GB, SAS, 3.5-inch 15K RPM Hard Drive (for logs/data)

Software:
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition
OLP EXCHANGE SVR 2007 (qty=1)
EXCHANGE STANDARD CAL 2007 ENGLISH OLP NL USER CAL (qty=100)

 

[Zelandakh]

Make the processors dual dual not dual quad. Increase the RAM to 16GB though 8GB should be fine.

Instead of 3 x 146GB, go for 2 x 36GB as a mirror for logs and 2 x 300GB for data. It will be faster and a lot more resilient.

Get Exchange Enterprise 2007 for the size of org.
Get Standard CALs if you have no intention of using unified messaging ever, otherwise get Enterprise CALs - there isn't a lot of difference if you beat Dell up on the pricing.

100 users at 500MB is 50GB. If you go for 146GB mirrors you'll end up with 135GB useable and you'll fill it fairly soon.

Backup?

 

[58sniper]

I wouldn't recommend the Exchange Enterprise unless you're attempting to do either of these two things:

1. automatic failover (clustering)
2. more than the standard amount of mailbox stores

That's the only thing that Enterprise is going to give you.

Enterprise CALs, like Nick said, if you're going to use UM features, or Forefront.

I agree that you want to split the logs and data onto separate arrays. VERY IMPORTANT.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[Zelandakh]

I was thinking 2003. Pat is right, you want standard Exchange and standard CALs. Get Enterprise CALs at the same time as well as standard if you want UM in the future as the OEM pricing will be great.

 

[norstarboston]

Thanks for the feedback. My mistake. I typed "Exchange 2003" in the details. Should have read "2007". I am confused about the standard vs enterpise cals. Wouldn't you want to buy the same type cals as server version? Now I am thinking about enterprise only so I can use Forefront.

 

[58sniper]

No. Server CALs and use CALs are two different things, and don't need to match.

Server:
Enterprise CAL - Gives you everything that Standard Server CAL does, plus automatic failover, and more storage groups.

User:
Enterprise CAL - Gives you everything the Standard User CAL does, plus UM features and more frequent updates to Forefront.



Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[norstarboston]

So I can buy Exchange server standard and buy advanced cals to use forefront?

 

[58sniper]

You mean Enterprise CALs for Forefront. Yes. (actually, you can use Forefront with Standard CALs, but the Enterprise CALs update Forefront more often).

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[Zelandakh]

I believe that enterprise CALs are for the um and forefront and exclude the mailbox access so you have to buy standard CALs no matter what plus enterprise for UM/forefront.

 

[58sniper]

Correct - the Enterprise CALs are add-ons to the Standard CALs.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[norstarboston]

Thanks for your input all.

I ended up with the following after reviewing everyone's advice.
Hardware:
Dell Power Edge 2950
*(DUAL)Quad Core Xeon Processor E53452x4MB Cache, 2.33GHz, 1333MHz FSB
* 16GB Memory
* (Dual Raid 1) 36GB, SAS, 3.5-inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive (for system)
* (Dual Raid 1) 36GB, SAS, 3.5-inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive (for logs)
* (Dual Raid 1) 300GB, SAS, 3.5-inch, 15K RPM Hard Drive (for Data)

Software:
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition (64bit)
Exchange 2007 Standard
100 Exchange Standard CALS

 

[58sniper]

Are you upgrading the clients as well? You'll need user CALs for Outlook 2007 if you are.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[norstarboston]

Pat,
I am buying the Exchange CALS (Standard). For the most part users have Outlook 2000. I will be upgrading them to Outlook 2007 in the Fall. Am I missing something for now? Will they be ok with Outlook 2000 until the fall?

 

[58sniper]

They should be ok.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt