New Exchange configuration

[strayrog]

I have been tasked with placing an exchange server into an already exsisting network configuration. Currently, we are using a Mac xserve as a mail server that is hooked up outside of all firewalls and users are using outlook (either pop or imap).

The exchange server is on the inside lan, behind a cisco 515e.

My question is, what is the best way to deploy the exchange server with the minimum disruption to the current configuration and the least problems reconfiguring the clients?

Should I put the exchange server in a DMZ?
Use the Mac as a relay?
All suggestions are welcome.

 

[Zelandakh]

Do you have an AD domain controller?

The exchange server is on the inside lan, behind a cisco 515e? I thought you'd been tasked with installing it - do you mean there is already one there?

Deployment - Install Exchange, get all Outlook client PSTs into Exchange, remove PST file, decommission the XServe mail app.

Should I put the exchange server in a DMZ? No.
Use the Mac as a relay? No.

 

[strayrog]

There are two AD Domain Controllers.

I already installed the server and loaded the exchange software to start the configurations.

It seems that the decommissioning of the XServe is not an option. The die hards here will not let it go.

 

[58sniper]

So they wanted you to increase costs by having two different email solutions? That doesn't make sense.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[Zelandakh]

Inter operation from Mac mail to Exchange is complicated. AD integration is also interesting.

Should be nice fun for you. (sarcasm).

 

[strayrog]

Oh yeah, figuring out this one should be a blast. Now they want the mail to go through the Mac (as it is now) but have the calendaring be hosted by Exchange. Is there a way for Outlook to point to two different places to do this?

 

[Zelandakh]

Mail through the Mac yes. Into Exchange possibly. Calendaring by Exchange yes. Outlook to 2 places sorta but not properly.

 

[strayrog]

Thanks for all the info Zelandakh. It looks like it will be a power struggle for a while. Currently, it looks like I will be going with the mail staying on the Mac, adding an account to Outlook to point to the exchange server for calendar sharing.