What Do I need and How Do setup a Dedicated Mail Server

[DiamondSounds]

Im a newbie learning so please bare with me.

I am trying to setup a dedicated mail server for a small business operation. Currently, they are running NT 4.0 sp6 as their one and only server. I am looking to add another server specifically for mail so they mail use outlook vs express. The client machines are all running on 98. From what I have read, I would need to purchase MS Exchange 5.5 and install it on the dedicated server and then tie the two machines together. Now for the questions:

1. The OS for dedicated server would also be NT4.0 SP6?
2. How are the two servers tied together?
3. Do you need to purchase a license for each client user?
4. Are there any helpful links on accomplishing this task?

I will leave it at this for now and wait for responses.

Thanks for any help in advance.

-Mark

 

[evz]

There are quite a few complexities involved in setting up an exchange mail system....and cost

You don't say whether your computers are set up in a Domain or a workgroup. Exchange 5.5 needs to be installed in an NT domain - there is no other way to install it (is your NT4 server just a member server or a Primary Domain Controller)

You do need Licenses for each mailbox that you setup on an Exchange server as well - I think the base product comes with 5 client licenses - although I could not be sure that you can still bu Exchange 5.5.

To be honest - with this type of setup you may be better going down the Small Business Server route - as you really need to be thinking about phasing out NT4 systems - due to the support from Microsoft set to end at the end of the year.

 

[DiamondSounds]

The clients are set up under an NT Domain. I realize the network is becoming outdated but the company is trying to avoid spending money to update since the network is primarily used for small end-user applications and data storage. The dedicated mail server is already pushing it as far as expenses go. Would Exch 2003 work with NT4.0?

 

[zbnet]

No, Exchange 2K3 doesn't run on NT4.