New Exchange 2003 front-end server

[msal]

I've just read an article about Exchange front-end servers which says:

"You can't install any Exchange 2003 back-end servers into an administrative group that contains Exchange 2000 front-end servers. In addition, if you install an Exchange 2003 server and use the server's Properties dialog box to configure it to be a front-end server, you can't install an Exchange 2003 front-end server in the same group—you must first install the server as a back-end server."

I know that you can't install a 2003 back-end server whilst there is a 2000 front-end server, but is it true that before you install 2003 as a front-end server, it needs to be a back-end server????

At the end of all that, does it mean I HAVE to UPGRADE our current 2000 front-end server to 2003 instead of adding a new 2003 front-end server????

Thanks

 

[Zelandakh]

Not it needs to BE a back end, just that you need to HAVE a back end server first.

If you want a 2003 back end, you gotta upgrade the front end first.