I'm a newbie to this forum, thanks in advance for understanding.
Mac Mini 2GHz w/2GB DDR3 and 320GB HD (via Craigslist - $450).
Also purchased SL Server (via Apple @ Bridgeport Village - $499).
Attempting to use an all-Mac solution, if possible.
Goal: Want to host website, email, calendar, contacts.
- Website is static and not changed more than 1-2x year.
- Email currently hosted on Exchange through iPower. Don't like spending $10 per account, per month.
IT consultant I have contracted ($45/hr) has recommended: "From a business and future scalability standpoint Im going to recommend Exchange for your email, contact management, and calendaring needs. If setup time and initial cost is a serious road-block - then Exchange is probably not a good choice, and the OSX server can certainly handle email in-tandem with MobileMe for synchronization, but will require you to use a @me.com account as well as any other users using @yourbusiness-name.com email accounts."
I am under the impression Apple and many other large/mid/small companies do not utilize Exchange for their email, contact management and calendaring needs - but rather use all Apple / Mac software. How do I convey this and demonstrate this to my IT consultant?
I have 7 people in my organization (family + small business) that need access to email/contacts/calendar on multiple devices (desktop, laptop, iPhones) and want all to be synchronized accordingly. Is Exchange really a must have? As I have family that works for Microsoft, the Small Business Exchange 2003 software was relatively inexpensive and already purchased (back in 2005). More or less, I'm trying to understand if I even need the MS SBS w/Exchange box in the attached diagram.
Thanks for your help and suggestions!
Mac Mini 2GHz w/2GB DDR3 and 320GB HD (via Craigslist - $450).
Also purchased SL Server (via Apple @ Bridgeport Village - $499).
Attempting to use an all-Mac solution, if possible.
Goal: Want to host website, email, calendar, contacts.
- Website is static and not changed more than 1-2x year.
- Email currently hosted on Exchange through iPower. Don't like spending $10 per account, per month.
IT consultant I have contracted ($45/hr) has recommended: "From a business and future scalability standpoint Im going to recommend Exchange for your email, contact management, and calendaring needs. If setup time and initial cost is a serious road-block - then Exchange is probably not a good choice, and the OSX server can certainly handle email in-tandem with MobileMe for synchronization, but will require you to use a @me.com account as well as any other users using @yourbusiness-name.com email accounts."
I am under the impression Apple and many other large/mid/small companies do not utilize Exchange for their email, contact management and calendaring needs - but rather use all Apple / Mac software. How do I convey this and demonstrate this to my IT consultant?
I have 7 people in my organization (family + small business) that need access to email/contacts/calendar on multiple devices (desktop, laptop, iPhones) and want all to be synchronized accordingly. Is Exchange really a must have? As I have family that works for Microsoft, the Small Business Exchange 2003 software was relatively inexpensive and already purchased (back in 2005). More or less, I'm trying to understand if I even need the MS SBS w/Exchange box in the attached diagram.
Thanks for your help and suggestions!