New Install of Exchange 2003

[hypetektips]

Hello to all,
First I like to thank all of you for support. Second I would like to get some help with setup of Exchange 2003 in Windows 2003 domain.
Currantly we are on a workgroup enviroment with about 50 users and probobly going to have about 100 max. I want to convert to domain.
I want to install Windows 2003 and Exchange 2003. As far Domain Controller how many should I have and as far as Exchange server how many should I have. I am thinking of having 2 Win 2003 server one Primary the other Secondy DC's and 1 Exchange 2003. Question is should exchange be on a seperate server or it can be on the Secondayr DC. Also the Secondary DC would have DNS and WINS roles. My main concern is having redundancy and backup in case of disaster. Also does Exchange 2003 need to have replication with 2nd exchange 2003? Sorry for the long details, thanks for all the help. Let me know if you need more info.
thanks

 

[DColcl]

Hype, why not consider installing Small Business Server (SBS) by Microsoft. I have found it to be an excellent server and a fraction of the price of that of a full blown version of Win 2k3 + Exhcange 2k3. Plus, you get more software that can help you with security (ISA Server) and database management (SQL Server) and a HOST of other services. As far as redundancy is concerned, just make sure you have your backups up to date. I would even go as far as ordering an UBER hardware to support this concern. I know that with HP, you can buy an extended warrenty that will include a 4 hour turn around. THEY come out and do all the work for you in regards as getting your computer hardware back online. At one site, I have even purchase one extra memory Chip, HD, video card, NIC, etc., and they sit in a nice, secure location JUST in case.

Just a suggestion. :+D

Dan