Outlook on a hosted exchange server [Archive]

Page

29th January 2009, 19:24

Outlook on a hosted exchange server

Can anyone give me a brief starter idea of...

What this might cost to set up and run for 5-8 people in terms of both money and time if I have general technical skills but none specific to this.

To set up and then to keep the thing running?

Should I be doing this myself or should I be buying in help to sort it out?

How easy is to work with for staff. Is there a steep learning curve or can we get going with little hassle.

I am looking to share diaries and tasks and from remote locations but think it may be overkill but then also may be perfect without really knowing.

Outlook 2003 if that matters.

tony84

29th January 2009, 19:42

My works do something on a system called citrix.

You basically log on your computer as with any other large company but all the software is only available once you click on the citrix icon it then opens a folder with all the programs.

I know thats not much help but its the name of some software which may do it

mke

29th January 2009, 22:21

Costa Da Fortune with M$ Exchange. Lots of other reliable and less restrictive options, hosted or on your own in-house server. No techie skills needed. Drop me a (PM) line.

KM-Tiger

30th January 2009, 05:40

Costa Da Fortune.....

Welcome back!

Thought you might have defected there....

computer storm

30th January 2009, 06:49

Hello Page,

Microsoft Does a hosted exchange and works out about £7 -£10 per user per month, but you could have your own internal server that will host exchange and do what you want it to do.

But if you go down the route of installing your own server it would be best to get someone in that knows what they are doing and can configure the server correctly first time.

Check out the link: http://www.microsoft.com/Online/default.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/Online/default.mspx)

But I do think that the hosted exchange by Microsoft is good as at a later date you can if you want integrate the hosted part with your local server if you get one installed.

If you would like more info on this then PM me.

ServWise

30th January 2009, 08:33

Alternatives to Exchange you might like to look at is SmarterMail www.smartertools.com (http://www.smartertools.com).

Page

30th January 2009, 11:00

ServWise

30th January 2009, 11:15

It was partly exchange I was interested in because of outlook.

I was moving away from it towards Thunderbird but the discover of MS onenote which integrates into outlook is making me think again.

I am still interested in some brief answers to the original question.

(I shall make another post about sharing TB and sunbird - though this does not then give me onenote integration.)

Outlook does not necessarily need to be used with exchange. SmarterMail allows your to sync contacts, calender and tasks with outlook and also share them. Also works to sync PDA's and smartphones like blackberry etc using the SyncML format. And when used with IMAP as the mail protocol you'll have a comparable system to exchange server for a lot less which also supports most other email clients like thunderbird etc. (Great if like me you carry around a portable apps version of thunderbird on your USB key).

wise

30th January 2009, 11:22

mke

30th January 2009, 17:57

As I said originally. I'll express it differently this time. Daylight robbery, exactly what I'd expect. Take a look at alternatives such as OpenXchange or Unison. They do a better job at far lower cost. They will work with whichever software options you choose, e.g both Outlook and T'bird, rather than just one or the other, whereas the M$ offerings tend to cough and fall over even if you attempt to use more than one version of its own software. There's more, but I have an injured hand so cutting down on typing.

Thanks for the welcome back, KM-T. I hear you're doing some stuff with an old associate of mine. I have some news, too, regarding an OS initiative. I'll PM you over the weekend. Sorry to interrupt the thread, Page.

wise

30th January 2009, 21:04

As I said originally. I'll express it differently this time. Daylight robbery, exactly what I'd expect. Take a look at alternatives such as OpenXchange or Unison. They do a better job at far lower cost. They will work with whichever software options you choose, e.g both Outlook and T'bird, rather than just one or the other, whereas the M$ offerings tend to cough and fall over even if you attempt to use more than one version of its own software.
Daylight robbery for the funcionality it provides ... have to disagree. Openxchange and Unison does not give you near the same functionality - unless you are simply talking email and calendar. The only other suite near competing is Zimbra.

We have worked with almost thousands of clients running office xp / 2000 / 2003 and 2007 with nor problems.

The price tag is almost worth it for the webmail (OWA 2003 / 2007) alone.

mke

30th January 2009, 21:48

What tosh. They all come with webmail and comapatability with other, non-M$ office suites, too. Only point of agreement is Zimbra is OK.

wise

30th January 2009, 21:50

What tosh. They all come with webmail and comapatability with other, non-M$ office suites, too. Only point of agreement is Zimbra is OK.
what part is tosh??

mke

30th January 2009, 22:17

have to disagree. Openxchange and Unison does not give you near the same functionality and The price tag is almost worth it for the webmail Wrong on both counts. Try configuring for your likes/dislikes instead of simply dismissing. Webmail is in, free and less susceptible to malware attack for both.

Configure either, or other OS collaboration software for that matter, and you have most things M$ will only add for extra licence fees. Use something like SME Server, which has no licence fees at all, and you have a full collaboration suite which will work with all of your collaborateurs, including those (like me) who will not touch M$ software along with the misguided who do.

wise

30th January 2009, 22:23

and Wrong on both counts. Try configuring for your likes/dislikes instead of simply dismissing. Webmail is in, free and less susceptible to malware attack for both.

Configure either, or other OS collaboration software for that matter, and you have most things M$ will only add for extra licence fees. Use something like SME Server, which has no licence fees at all, and you have a full collaboration suite which will work with all of your collaborateurs, including those (like me) who will not touch M$ software along with the misguided who do.
Why do you assume I simply dismiss? you are free to choose what OS suite you wish, but neither of the options you suggest compete or equal MS or Zimbra for security, functionality or ease of use across hundreds of devices and software programs

DotNetWebs

31st January 2009, 00:41

Why do you assume I simply dismiss?...

Because he is an open source 'preacher' who comes out with phrases like this in retaliation to anybody who might find some Microsoft software worth paying for over the Open Source equivalent :

"will not touch M$ software along with the misguided who do"

That's the problem with these 'preachers'. It's like a religious dogma. Anyone who chooses to use anything by Microsoft must be stupid. They don't realise that some of us have a mix of open source and Microsoft software and in some cases for some businesses, when considering the bigger picture, it is worth paying for the Microsoft option.

Regards

Dotty

mke

31st January 2009, 07:31

DotNetWebs

31st January 2009, 10:04

It's funny because Open Source software never has any security problems does it? :mad:

Here are just a few of the many MANY threads on here where forums members have had their [Open Source] sites websites hacked:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=76442&highlight=joomla+hacked

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=79965&highlight=joomla+hacked

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=80261&highlight=wordpress+hacked

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=77886&highlight=wordpress+hacked

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=69534&highlight=wordpress+hacked

I could find plenty more of these threads if you want. Now how many asp.net threads like this can you find?

Regards

Dotty

DotNetWebs

31st January 2009, 10:15

The other mke is that the OP specifically asked for an Outlook / Exchange solution. After your first reply he politely explained that he had looked at the Open Source option but as he put it "still interested in some brief answers to the original question"

So you have basically hijacked the thread and indicated that you think he and anybody who answers him is "misguided".

As I have said to you before, why can't you simply suggest that he considers an Open Source option and leave it at that. I think you do offer some good advice but why do you always have to insult Microsoft users?

Regards

Dotty

mke

31st January 2009, 10:21

You're comparing apples with pears, Dotty. exchange of whatever brand is, in essence, an email and collaboration suite. Now, remind me please, how is most malware spread about the 'net?

We have agreed in the past that, whoever makes the software, if it is not properly installed and updates not properly applied there will be vulnerabilities. The weakness of readily available software, openly admitted by most on either side of the open and proprietary fence, is the DIY without knowledge sector. I think the DIY stands for Do I Know - wtf I'm doing? :)

DotNetWebs

31st January 2009, 10:27

You're comparing apples with pears, Dotty...

Yes but your "misguided" statement was a generalisation against all Microsoft users.

We have agreed in the past that, whoever makes the software, if it is not properly installed and updates not properly applied there will be vulnerabilities. The weakness of readily available software, openly admitted by most on either side of the open and proprietary fence, is the DIY without knowledge sector. I think the DIY stands for Do I Know - wtf I'm doing? :)

I still agree with you on that one :)

Regards

Dotty

wise

31st January 2009, 10:35

You can expect to pay between £60 and £150 month for up to 8 users on a hosted exchange. There are MANY advantages to having it hosted for you, not with standing the software costs, backups, technical expertise to keep it running.

This will also give you outlook web access - no need for outlook to be on a pc, it's webmail with virtually the same functionality through a broswer (public folders, shared calendars etc).

Other options are Zimbra hosted email (similiar cost), google mail with calendars (very little cost)
bringing it back on topic - my original statement stands:

Exchange hosted - £60 > £150 month will include backups, wireless and outlook web access and free outlook client to download if you need it

Zimbra Hosted - similiar costs and spec

Zimbra Open Source - Free but you need the technical knowledge to use and develop it

mke

31st January 2009, 10:47

You have misunderstood a fundamental concept, wise. Zimbra is Open Source. Full stop. There is a supported option, which costs to subscribe, and there is a "community" version, which does not. The meaning of OS is that yuo have access to the source code, not whether there is a price tag attached.

Dotty, I was misguided only in that I forgot you were likely to take my comment, pertinent to this thread hence aimed at an overblown cost of what is essentially a fairly basic service and hosted free by, e.g., Google. :eek:

Some of my best friends are (misguided :p) M$ users. A few are even M$ "sysadmins" (sorry, couldn't resist the quotes ;)).

Anyway, enough of this jousting. Let's give the OP his thread back.

scargill

31st January 2009, 12:35

I've trialled open source - and Exchange - in my personal and business life and for me there is no comparison - I find it hard to imagine being involved in any kind of IT related business and NOT having Exchange. Between the easy synchronisation with mobile devices (which I frequently lose or break and get data back in minutes with a simply sync) and the ability to share all or part of Outlook within an organisation I could no more imagine going back to NOT having this - than I could imagine living in a tent.

Most people who don't use Exchange (and I am saying this from experience of putting this out to a large organisation) have no idea of the features the come with the combination of Outlook and Exchange.

There are many providers out there who will offer quite inexpensive Hosted Exchange - as just one example (and I'm not tied up with them but I do know a lot about them) - lookup Cobweb solutions.

scargill

31st January 2009, 12:38

Come, come, Dotty. You know the security statement is false. M$ has always had big holes and probably it always will cost a fortune in third party apps to plug (some of) them.

No, not just a tub to thump. It's more about counterbalancing the all-consuming M$ hype to let people know there are alternatives. They (M$) actually do one or two good things - well, in the games, non-business arena at least, or so I'm told. ;) :)

It is fair to say that Microsoft have had lots of security issues in the past - it is also fair to say that from Windows XP service pack 3 onwards, the number of these has dropped dramatically. I have been using Outlook now for the better part of 8 years. I get over 10,000 emails a year and respond to a similar amount. All my notes, contacts and calendar items on which I rely totally are in Outlook - and I can honestly say in all that time I have NEVER lost information from Outlook.

wise

31st January 2009, 13:30

You have misunderstood a fundamental concept, wise. Zimbra is Open Source. Full stop. There is a supported option, which costs to subscribe, and there is a "community" version, which does not. The meaning of OS is that yuo have access to the source code, not whether there is a price tag attached.

Obviously you do not know me or my background, so don't understand how you can make such a bold statement! Let me clarify in case there was some misunderstanding!!

Exchange - HOSTED - £60 > £150 month
Zimbra - HOSTED - similiar pricing

Zimbra community - free if you have the technical knowledge to run it, backups, server leasing, configuration etc.

There is far more involved than just a price tag - hence if you dont have the technical expertise - go for a hosted solution and you will expect to pay similiar pricing above.

Hopefully this exlains things a bit more for the original OP and helps with their original question!

PureIT

31st January 2009, 14:25

Hi,

If you are looking for exchange hosting we can offer this - basically we can locate your hardware in our datacenter or we could run your systems on our hardware - either way if you want a quote let me know

All the best

James

Page

1st February 2009, 08:22

I think I have a bit to go on before getting back.

The reason why outlook (and hence exchange) - and then whatever system that copes with this is because it integrates with onenote another MS program that I have discovered and rapidly moved over to for all sorts of things.

(If you have a lot to organise and control and also deal with/have ideas etc and then also if some of this is shared - then you should 100% have a play with the trial version. I estimate it may save me 2 hours a day :eek: as well as keep my brain clear. One of those programs where you only wish that you had known about it before. 2007 is much improved on 2003)

I will have a look as some of the suggestions over the next few weeks. Exchange is a side project where I am at the start putting the feelers out stage.