Hello,I was requested to deploy a Microsoft Exchange 2003 project to handle the mailing system between 300 users in LAN. This includes 30 remote locations too connected with the main office using ADSL. The branch offices includes 5 members each.Thus I have to suggest the following things1. Layout of the network2. a hardware requirement of number of servers needed(Servers for active directory+servers for exchange server+Boarder server+Backup Server etc..)3. Required Network configuration4.Os requirement5.Clustering configuration6.Licensing method to choose7.Storage/Backup system8.Client requirements9.Webclients and active sync10. Antivirus and Security procedures to follow Kindly suggest solutions, anybody who is knowledged in this project. Also request you to tell the Exchange 2007 alternate for the projectWith regards,Manu

As you said they have 30 remote location connected with ADSL, i will not recommend to go for a VPN and then MAPI connection to the outlook. My recommnedation will be to get all the users (remote location on RPC over HTTPS).1. Create a simple network on a single AD site with a FW and Anti Spam solaution on the permiter2. 2 GC's , 2 FE on NLB (better if you have a HW load balancer), 2 Servers for normal 2003 cluster, Symantec Netabck up server with a SAN and Tape library (long term retention) connected.3. Network configuration???4. better if you can 2003 R2 32 bit (as your requirement is E2K3).5. Normal E2K3 cluster http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb123612(EXCHG.65).aspx6. server licence (E2K3 and W2K3 enterprise for cluster) plus the CALs for 300 users.7. symantec Net Back up (not sure if DPM works good with e2K3).8. OL2003 and above.9. OMA (no active sync for E2K3) and web clients with SSL cert.10. Any Mail security AV (Fore front or symantec is always my choice.)Raj

Hello Rajnish,Thank you for the answer. I need some more clarifications like1. How I can establish active directory connection between main office and branch office while using RPC over HTTPS2. Cn you specify the SAN hardware?

AD replication will not happen on RPC over HTTPS, this is only for emails.All depends on number of users that you have in your branch office. All your users in BO should be on domain? Can they be on work group machines?If yes, then probabaly ADSL will not be an good option. some kind of other connection (MPLS or Leased etc) will be an good option. Also in that case you need to have a DC (RODC in case you are on 2008 domain) in each BO (again depending on number of users in BO). If they are few, let them get authenticated through wire on DC at HO.If they can be on work group then get them on RPC over https for emails.As far as SAN goes, i will always go for EMC CLARiiON servies. Again model will depend on the storage etc (http://www.emc.com/products/detail/hardware/clariion-ax4.htm)Raj

Hi Rajnish,What is your opinion about the following thigs? I am totally new to branch office configurations1. If the branch office is configured as work group what sort of connection mechanism needed between BO and HO to configure exchange in good condition?2. If the branch office systems are configured as the domain members of HO what sort of connection mechanism needed between BO and HO to configure exchange in good condition?3. What is your opinion about RAID disks other than SAN and which RAID config. is the best?

Hi,1. As far as email goes, if the users are on work group you dont need any connection between HO and BO (not sure if there is any thing other then mail which is reqd at BO). Its a simple internet connection that is reqd for rpc over https.2. For me always connection (if we have more users at BO and if my Budget permits, always go for leased lines or else for sure MPLS).3. RAID I always recommend for OS RAID 1, exchange logs either on RAID1 or RAID 5 and for sure DB on RAID 10.Raj