Should I get Exchange just to share calendars/contacts?

[pagode22]

Hi:
My client has 10 users on a workgroup, no domain.
They have been sharing calendar and contacts with 3rd party software but it has its problems
Considering getting Exchange Server?
Do you think that it is a good idea? Email is POP3 accounts and there is no problem with that, the main thing they want to do is to share contacts and calendars.
Any ideas??
thanks

 

[Zelandakh]

SBS would be good for you. Configure its POP service to pull in centrally on the server, set up an SMTP connector, create a series of public folders for the calendars and contacts. Don't share individuals mailboxes - not clever.

 

[58sniper]

The problem with the SBS connector is that the smallest interval for polling is 15 minutes. That's not acceptable to many companies.

Just because they aren't having issues with POP3 doesn't mean it couldn't be better with direct MX based delivery. Bandwidth usage is reduced, less workload on Outlook, OWA works better, etc.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[Zelandakh]

SMTP connector is outbound and is immediate. Yes the POP connector should be replaced with POPConn or GFi Mail Essentials. I think there is a reghack to bring the SBS 15 minutes down to 5 minutes but that might have been something else I was thinking of.

 

[dkediger]

They could utilize SBS/Exchange to abandon POP. Using their own mail domain might enhance their corporate image. Flexibility in establishing/using unlimited personal/group email accounts rather than whatever limit the POP provider imposes.

Downside would be a bit more management on your/their end. If the POP provider is doing AV/Spam filtering, you would want to add that in to your SBS/Exchange setup.

 

[58sniper]

My mistake. I was thinking of the POP3 connector and the original mail mentions the SMTP connector. Sorry.

GFI Mail Essentials is the one I like.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[LesNicholls]

A really good and simple Calender sharing option is Lotus Organiser, it is also free and very easy to set up.

 

[pagode22]

ok so, pardon my ignorance but in order to use SBS
and Exchange I would need to give up our domain?
can it just stay the same?
thanks for all the replies

 

[58sniper]

Not sure I follow you. You don't need to give up anything.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[pagode22]

i am sorry, i guess i should explain myself better.
What i am trying to do is to set up this small office. Each user has a pop3 account at say bluefish.com. I still want to keep them at that pop3 accounts but use exchange and the native pop3 connector to get their mail in the office and rout it through exchange while they are at the office mainly so they can share calendars and contacts while they are at the office.
My main concern is that i don't know if they would be able to receive mail ok when they are outside the office not connected to the exchange server.
thanks hope i made sense.

 

[58sniper]

They could use OWA when outside the office. Not sure why you'd want to keep them on POP3, especially since the built in POP3 connector in SBS will only retrieve as quick as every 15 minutes.

But, it WILL do what you're looking for.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)