What's the best method for W98 machine to access Exch2003 server?

[zacca]

Hi there,

I'm planning to replace my mail system from linux based pop3/smtp to Exch2003 server.

Unfortunately, 99% of users still on W98 & no budget for desktop h/w & s/w upgrade, cannot use new techs like rpc/http or caching mode. I still couldn't decide the best way for email access.

Exch2003's new OWA would be good option, however it didn't auto-refresh & need users to click refresh button to get new emails. Also it won't work if user don't have network connection (eg at home, on the road, etc).

If keep on using OE to connect to Exch2003's pop3/smtp, then there's no new features/productivity gain comparing to existing linux pop3/smtp, difficult to justify the upgrade.

If using O2K, user cannot read email when no network connection.

If using O2K's offine mode, user can read email when no connection to server, but the synchonisation can only happen when the user was located inside firewall.

Do you guys have any comments for W98 best way to access Exch2003? Many thanks!

 

[pschwarz]

To use all/most of the features of Exchange 2003, Outlook client/OWA is only way I know. POP3 would defeat the purpose of this upgrade, since the online collaboration tools, public folder features, disaster recovery options, etc. would all be lost. Might want to poke around

http://sourceforge.net/

for GNU clients for Exchange 2003. Outlook 2000 also has some "off-line" features, that a would sync a users mail box, when they hooked up a laptop back to the network, but not exactly the solution you are looking for.

 

[zacca]

Hi pschwarz,
Wondering if imap could be a solution to my headache?
Many thanks!

 

[xmsre]

E2k3 OWA has the new mail notification feature. Users won't be able to access OWA when offline. POP? why bother.

You might try IMAP. It's been a while since I've done outlook via IMAP, but I recall that it uses a PST, you get all the folders, You can work offline, and you can pull the headers seperately from the content of the email.