Outlook Web Access setup and configuration

[cahelmster]

I've just migrated to Exchange 2003. I would like to setup and configure Outlook Web Access for 2003. I have never had this before in previous versions of Exchange. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

It is working fine internally. What's the best way to configure external access?

----------------
Thanks!
CH

 

[Treyze]

cahelmster

OWA External implementation

1. assign a host name to your OWA external address or you can use your MX record name. ex mail.domain.com. users will forget IP addresses it is better to use resolved name

2. (Basic) Open up port 80 on your firewall and point it to your exchange server.

3. Logon to your exchange server and open up the Exchange system manager and go to Administrative groups\fist administrative group\servers\(your exchange server)\protocols\http\exchange virtual server Right click on exchange and go to properties go to the access tab and click on authentication. Check the basic authentication box and enter your netbios domain. ex (Engineering). This setting will allow the user to just enter their username instead of (domain)\(username) or username@domain.com under the login prompt. I find that this method makes the user community happy.

Goodluck

 

[adcfaq]

i hope the following link is helpful

http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/OWA_Exchange_Server_2003.html

-----
Directory Services/Exchange Consultant

 

[cahelmster]

thanks for the info...by the way, should I go with just a direct connection from outside to the Exchange box over port 80 or should I go with a frontend/backend server setup?

What is the advantage of frontend/backend?

----------------
Thanks!
CH

 

[Treyze]

We have a frontend/backup solution but it costs$$. you will need server software and Exchange Enterprise software license. The backend can remain Exhange Std.

The advantages is security. If the exchange server were ever to be hacked, They could only hack and empty exchange server.

We also have SSL running with Microsoft's certs. This will also add an extra layer of security using port 443.

my $.02

 

[Treyze]

cont..

Do you need a frontend/backend solution? Only if you are concerned about security. It will work just fine without it.

My $.03

Goodluck

 

[cahelmster]

I don't have to go front/back...I was just concerned about the security aspect...if I skip the front/back setup, what things can I do to make the Exchange box as secure as possible besides running SSL?

----------------
Thanks!
CH