Re: Many Questions

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Mark Arnold [MVP] schreef:

On 20 Nov 2006 06:27:13 -0800, "Tall1" <tallone@xxxxxxx> wrote:

Hello All,

I have to build an Exchange sollution for 200-500 users. With very big
mail files (up to 2GB , but average 500MB.
I thought I build it with the following "elements":

a Exchange Enterprise Cluster on 2 Windows 2003 Ent Servers (Active
Passive)
Hardware = 2* xeon 2,8 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 2 * 36 Gb 15k Scsi per server
(for OS and Exchange applic)

You can't run a cluster since you don't have the core Exchange
information. Please don't go near a cluster.


?? Dont get it? "you dont have the core exch info" what do you mean by
that??
I only ment to get a second opion here if the hardware is OK? (got it
form an external consulting comp)

SAN: total of 2-3 Terrabyte storage.

Peanuts. Won't be a problem.


Front End server for OWA and Outlook Sync Rpc over HTTP(s)

FE is an absolute requirement (opinion) to running a cluster, should
you so choose.


Now that gives me the following questions:

will that cluster be stong enough to support all those users? (with an
average of 500mb/user)
and is there room for growth?

You might have a problem if you want to run another 2,500 users on the
same box but the numbers you have should be no sweat.

Sow 500-1000 people on that cluster wont be a problem. That is what I
needed to hear, thanx


The cluster, is it better to stuff it with all 144 GB disk (to get a
total of 2-3 TB)or is it better to use 2* 72 or 4 * 36 Gb disks instead
of one 144 GB? (I will be putting them in raid 1) How do I setup the
storage groups? 1 for high users , 1 for medium users and 1 for light
users? or do a mixed mode so that the haevay users are diveded over all
the storage groups? How big can these storage group be (in case of
backup restore I think it s best to keep it small to get faster restore
times, but where is the breakeven point?

OK, stop. You really do not understand clustering and storage. Stop,
please.
2TB on DAS? That's just insane. No, you need at least an iSCSI product
for this project.

No no DAS, I will use a SAN (HP MSA1500 HA) so that wont be a problem i
think

The Front End server, I've read it can be Ex std or Ex ent. But what is
the difference or win/loose when using std as FE instead of the Ent ed.
What is extra needed to get this load ballanced?
How many user can run on 1 FE server?
Is it possible to use the FE for aslwell OWA as RPC over HTTPS?

Just go with the FE on Standard. Yes you can use it for OWA and RPC
over HTTPS


What is the best way to backup the servers/data. Use tools like
symantec livestate/arconis trueimage for the OS part and tape software
for the DB? what kind of software do you suggest? or are there other
sollutions?

Talk to your SAN vendor.



From everything above I have the conclusion that you must immediately
take advice from a paid consultant. You need to understand basic
Exchange, clustering, storage and backup/recovery. Essentially you
need to learn Exchange from the ground up.

Done that, but thought ask the Guroes a secnd opinion because we had
visits from 3 diff companies who all do it differently (like one is
only tape backup, one is disk 2 disk 2 tape and one uses Symantec
Livestate (on the fly imaging) with DB to tape. sowww what should you
choose.... in the land of the blind is the one eyed man king.....

Thanx any way for your help

.

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