Need help sharing calendar

[Alvin]

Hi,

I am used to having an Exchange/Outlook setup. Now, I
have to setup a network without an exchange server. They
have a DSL internet connection with SBC/Yahoo. They are
using this for email as well. The workstations are W2K
and XP, with Outlook 2000 and XP. And, they want access
to each others calendars. I read the options from MS
using Net folders and Briefcase, but I am looking for an
easier solution for the clients. I also noticed some
third party solutions, but not sure which is the best.
Does anyone know of any methods or third party solutions
that work reliably and are client friendly with automatic
sync/update for sharing calendar, contacts, etc?

Really appreciate any advice!
Thanks Alvin

 

[Alvin]

The network will probably be no more than 25 users, and
they have a Dell 1600sc server, with backup. It seems to
be ok for the job, basically user authentication and one
shared app, and user folders. I have a Cisco 806
broadband router. What are you referring to as a good
firewall?

Thanks Alvin


---Original Message-----

How big is this network? Do they have a domain? Good server hardware, good
backup capabilities?

There are lots of third party apps out there for workgroup mail servers/data
sharing, but their suitability will depend on your needs. See
http://www.slipstick.com/outlook/share.htm

PS: Make sure they get a good firewall, and don't depend

Hi,

I am used to having an Exchange/Outlook setup. Now, I
have to setup a network without an exchange server. They
have a DSL internet connection with SBC/Yahoo. They are
using this for email as well. The workstations are W2K
and XP, with Outlook 2000 and XP. And, they want access
to each others calendars. I read the options from MS
using Net folders and Briefcase, but I am looking for an
easier solution for the clients. I also noticed some
third party solutions, but not sure which is the best.
Does anyone know of any methods or third party solutions
that work reliably and are client friendly with automatic
sync/update for sharing calendar, contacts, etc?

Really appreciate any advice!
Thanks Alvin

.
[/QUOTE]

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

With that many users, they really ought to put in a domain (if they don't
have one already) and invest in Exchange, honestly. The small workgroup
software is unlikely to scale well up to that size - Exchange is a big
investment, I know, but it is more robust and, if set up properly, will
require less support and troubleshooting than anything else I know of, which
will cost them less in time and money in the long run. Have you discussed
the Exchange feature set with them?

Looks like that router has a built-in stateful inspection firewall. Be sure
you configure it carefully - don't enable *any* inbound ports you don't
need - you'll need 25 for SMTP mail, if you run your own mail server.