Topic: Exchange and E-Smith

[LordFray]

Currently I'm running a windows 2000 network using MS Exchange for email.

I built an e-smith server as a 'backup' - in case exchange ever dies again.

Question: Is it possible to place the e-smith server in my existing network and run the mail services, while still having my exchange box running?
(testing purposes really..)

I'd like to make sure e-smith is working correctly before I power it down and put it on the shelf for a rainy day.  I don't want to interfere with my current email system though, but want to make sure I can send and recieve emails on this cool little server.
( for the record.. the e-smith install was a cakewalk in comparison to 2000 and exchange. )

Should I make my e-smith server a separate domain?  If I'm not hosting a webpage, does it matter what domain name I choose?

[Andrei Taylor]

Just asking why not hook a backup exchange server instead? For example I have use VMware to duplicate a few of my clients exchange servers. The coolest thing about it was that (and forbid it happens) when   exchange does crap it's pants you just fire up the VM pull the exchange databases over and Bam! instant exchange running off of my laptop PC until i can get the regular exchange server back on it's feet. Users won't even notice any  difference.

This is just a teeny case study from my own experience. I just find that users are funny when it comes to e-mai and filesl. My philosphy is not to modify the server environment much at all even in cases of emergency.

[John Henry]

Yes, it is possible to run exchange with another mail server.
If you are behind a true hardware firewall you should run e-smith in server only mode.

[bob thomas]

Question for Andrei Taylor?

I am new at exchange. What database files would you copy over to your Vmware laptop? I am assuming the server names and exchange server are the same?

Thanks,

Bob

[nate]

coming from someone who has run ms-exchange in many organizational settings for many years and suffered much pain...

just use e-smith for your e-mail server, it's bullet proof.

-nsh
 

PS - I am not a Microsoft hater by nature – MS has its place in the world (I use him all the time) – generally not anywhere near the Internet though.