Re: SBS2003 + Exchange smtp causing internet problems

From: Kevin Weilbacher [SBS-MVP] (kweilbacMVP_at_gte.net)
Date: 09/05/04 

Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 07:51:50 -0400

The way to fix it is to restrict sending such large files via email as
attachments!

Did you know that many of mail servers will restrict the size of incoming
file attachments to 1-2mb?? That means that even if you could or can send
such files out, there is no guarantee that yhe recipient will be able to
receive them. Additionally, sending such files eats up your Exchange
database, which is limited to 16gb public and private stores.

If you are regularly sending those kinds of files out, no matter how fast
your Internet connection is, you need to look into getting a separate FTP
site up (perhaps with your external web site provider), and set up a
mechanism that allows your users to upload these files to your FTP site, and
then send out emails to your customers with the FTP address link for them to
donwload the file.

Not only is that a better use of Exchange, but it is a better use of your
bandwidth, plus it is more professional. You can also obtain software that
will allow you to track who has downloaded each file, or how many times the
file has been downloaded. And if the files are at all confidential, you can
require that the user actually enter a valid email address first, to
authenticate who is downloading it.

Bottom line ... use the right technology for the right job. And IMO, using
email to deliver 8mb files is not the right technology! 

-- 
Kevin Weilbacher [SBS-MVP]
"The days pass by so quickly now, the nights are seldom long"
"Peter" <nospamhere@mailing.com> wrote in message 
news:OIw$acxkEHA.3520@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Hi Everyone
>
> Been trying to work this one out all weekend but damned if I can.
>
> We currently install an SBS2003 Standard server to service about 15 staff
> members, Exchange is setup to run as our SMTP Server.
>
> Our current internet connect is a business grade Bigpond (Australia)
> account, 256/64.
>
> The problem I am having is that staff are sending out emails which are in
> the range of 4-7mb in size and sometimes they send this email to several
> email addresses, in turn what is happening is that bandwidth is being 
> taken
> up, virtual stopping our internet connection.
>
> What can I do to fix this problem, in the next few weeks we will be
> upgrading to a faster connection, however i need to get a solution 
> together
> before hand or else my *** is toast !!!
>
> Any help would be appreciated
>
>
>
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