Which Windows Server 2008 Roles for Exchange 2007?

[JonathanMortimer]

We intend to install Exchange 2007 on a separate server to the domain controller (also running Server 2008), which server roles would be required on the Exchange machine?

 

[JonathanMortimer]

One simply *expects* a major new Microsoft server operating system to support a major Microsoft product released a year or two previously, in any other situation this would be the case.

As one person commented, I hope my car maker doesn't decide my model of car doesn't work with tyres anymore. You would not have to consult a matrix to see if your car still worked with tyres!

 

[58sniper]

You're looking at it from the wrong direction. It's not the OS that has to support Exchange. It's Exchange that has to support the OS. And when the app (Exchange) comes out YEARS before the OS, that's virtually impossible without spending a LOT of time testing/changing/updating the app. From an R&D perspective, that doesn't make sense, especially since 2007 isn't the current version of Exchange, and wasn't that when the OS came out. Does this mean they should go back and make Exchange 2003, 2000, and even 5.5 supported on 2008 R2?

Any company that is looking to upgrade/transition Exchange shouldn't be looking at 2007. Why look at a version that's not only 3 years old, but not even the current version. Far better TCO and ROI in 2010.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[JonathanMortimer]

I'm sure you're right, thank you for your patience. I don't really know why my superiors were pushing for Exchange 2007, perhaps they just weren't aware of Office / Exchange 2010's appearance, indeed I hadn't really looked at it myself until this push to upgrade came about. I am now going to pursue a 2010 installation, which I hope should be fine for Server 2008 R2.

 

[strongm]

Didn't Microsoft announce back at the tail end of last year that they intended to release an update for Exchange 2007 enabling full support of Windows Server 2008 R2?

 

[JonathanMortimer]

Yes, but 'Second half of 2010' doesn't inspire me when we are upgrading now, it cannot be put off until some time in six month's time.

 

[58sniper]

Yes, they did - but my point is it's already outdated for a company that's looking to transition.

If a company wants to use the most current OS, wouldn't it make sense to use the most current Exchange?

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/