Sharing Outlook

[Guest]

We have 5 computers in an office all using Outlook and we need to share
contacts and calendars. It appears from my reading that we need Microsoft
Exchange. My question is: Can we purchase Exchange version 5.0 for this
purpose without having a Server? It states (on ebay products) that it will
come with 5 CAL's. We only need the minimum (and least expensive) product to
be able to share. We are able to email each other via DSL connection and can
share certain folders. Can I load it on the computer I use?
The other part is backing up our information without a Server. Is this
reasonable?
I really am anxious to hear from someone because I have been doing this on
my own. My only experience is working in a previous office sharing Outlook
(w/ a server) and I'm trying to accomplish this here. THANKS!!!

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

We have 5 computers in an office all using Outlook and we need to
share contacts and calendars. It appears from my reading that we
need Microsoft Exchange. My question is: Can we purchase Exchange
version 5.0 for this purpose without having a Server?

No - Exchange requires a server and a domain. Also, Exchange 5.0 is waaaaay
old and unsupported. You would be best off buying SBS2003 for your
purposes - but you do need a dedicated server for it (and it should be of
decent quality hardware - not just a souped up workstation) and it will
require that you use Active Directory/domain. Perhaps you can find a local
consultant who specializes in SBS/small office networking who can set you
up. I think it wouldn't be overkill for a 5-user office if you really need
the collaborative features - and it will certainly make it easier for your
company to grow. Peer to peer networking doesn't scale well - one nice thing
about a central server is that you can also store all files on it, control
security from a central location, back things up to tape nightly for
disaster recovery purposes, etc.

It states (on
ebay products) that it will come with 5 CAL's.

SBS does by default - whatever you see on ebay is just whatever that person
is selling you. Stay away from Exchange 5.0 anyway.

We only need the
minimum (and least expensive) product to be able to share. We are
able to email each other via DSL connection and can share certain
folders. Can I load it on the computer I use? The other part is
backing up our information without a Server. Is this reasonable?
I really am anxious to hear from someone because I have been doing
this on my own. My only experience is working in a previous office
sharing Outlook (w/ a server) and I'm trying to accomplish this here.
THANKS!!!

http://www.slipstick.com/outlook/share.htm may have some other options, but
note that for optimal performance, you'd really need Exchange. Much depends
on your budget and technical skills - although if you get a consultant to
set it up properly from the get-go, the daily admin shouldn't be much. I
support a lot of small companies and all the staff there have to do is
change backup tapes - I do some support remotely, and go in every once in a
while for problems that require my presence - and apply Windows Updates,
etc.

Hope my advice helps you make a decision.