Need Advice on using OWA 2000 vs. VPN

[kmccrary]

would like to know if anyone has any thoughts on the benefits on using OWA 2k vs. VPN. What I am trying to accomplish is allow remote users to access their Outlook mainly and some file access (although it is not the priority) from any machine and have the most flexibility within Outlook. We really like the features in Outlook 2002 but OWA 2000 doesn't quite have all of the flexibility (understandibly) that Outlook 2002 does.

We also need to be able to download the Outlook to the remote users laptop so he/she can use their calendar when they are not connected to the network and then have them be able to synchronize their data when they return to the network (all remotely).

I would sure appreciate any suggestions or experiences with either/both options so I can make a better informed decision on which way to proceed.

As it is, I will have to migrate our Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000 if I use OWA, but may not have to migrate as soon if I use VPN. That is a big deal, but not nearly as important to me as making the right decision the first time.

Thanks a bunch.

Kim

 

[Xybertron]

If OWA isn't feature rich enough you will have to use VPN with Outlook. The question is answered by what your user community says they need.

Exchange 5.5 has OWA just not as many features as Exchange 2000 OWA. Dan
Microsoft Exchange Support @ Microsoft

 

[MapMan]

Hi Kim,

Though OWA 2k isn't as rich as Outlook, it is far better than OWA for E5.x. It's calendaring is similar to the Outlook version. It even includes "availability" checking. And since it would be using the "online" database, no synchronizing is needed.

That's my 2 cents worth. MapMan

Assume nothing, question everything, be explicit not implicit, and you'll always be covered.

 

[kmccrary]

I guess I didn't realize that OWA 2000 didn't have the capability to look at your tasks. What we are ultimately looking for is a way for remote users (ie - the boss) to be able to share his Outlook with multiple machines at his house. He wants the functionality or most of what is offered in Outlook 2002 but he wants to be able to share it and be able to take it on the road with him and then update it when he connects back up to the network.

It's looking like OWA isn't going to be feature-rich enough to satisfy our needs (bummer). Now I'm trying to look into VPN and see if it will satisfy our needs.

Thanks.

Kim

 

[Xybertron]

It does have the Tasks feature. Also with SP2 reminders pop-up. Dan
Microsoft Exchange Support @ Microsoft

 

[tom11011]

Obviously, a true outlook client is better. The question is if you want to make the investment for a vpn solution. Can you justify the cost for a few extra features? Are there other benefits to your organization by upgrading to a vpn solution?

 

[kmccrary]

I could have sworn that I read that it didn't have tasks. What I am trying to accomplish is allowing the boss (owner) to access his calendar from home on multiple computers and be able to take it on the road and still be able to see his calendar - not necessarily connected. He really needs to see his tasks (would really love it if they were color coded (like XP) and needs to see his calendar (pop-ups would be good but not necessary).

Is there someplace that I can go to see a demo of what OWA 2000 can do? I really hate to go to the trouble of migrating to Exchange 2000 if it won't do what he wants. We have to make the boss happy!

Thanks for your input.

Kim

 

[MapMan]

Hi Kim,

To be portable (disconnected), your boss will need to have Outlook running on the computer(s) and use synchronization to the home office to keep the tasks (and other data) up-to-date. Your boss can add/edit/delete tasks while disconnected, then synchronize them with the home office when time permits.

OWA isn't portable. It must be connected to the home office somehow in order to work.

HTH, MapMan

Assume nothing, question everything, be explicit not implicit, and you'll always be covered.

 

[JBruyet]

I realize that I'm getting in here really late on this thread, but here where I work my users have started using Palm Pilots and having them synch to their desktops at work and at home (requires the purchase of an additional synch cradle). I've even started using it and I'm surprised how simple it is, and even more surprised at how dependent I've become on my Palm, especially the task list. And, of great use to me, my Palm Pilot allows me to categorize my tasks!

FWIW,

Joe Brouillette