MailEnable and Microsoft Exchange Server

Link2006

So I was looking to switch to dedicated hosting from a hosting company, and was wondering how their email service support works. From what I've learned, a 3rd party mail server software called MailEnable will be installed on Windows Server 2003 along with Plesk. This is the first time I've heard about MailEnable, so how does it compare to Microsoft Exchange Server? Is Microsoft Exchange Server also insalled on Window Server to function? (I thought Microsoft Exchange Server was a server Operating System, but apparently I was wrong) Thanks

Lost User

We've been using MailEnable Professional as our mail server for a couple of years now without any major problems. We host our own server so we run on Windows Server 2003 but do not have Plesk installed. MailEnable supports SMTP, POP3, IMAP (although there seem to be some problems with the implemenation based on the complaints in the forum) and HTTPMail. They have quite a nice webmail implementation as well as a web-based administration utility. If you read through the MailEnable forums you will find that there have been a couple of problems with Plesk and MailEnable, most if not all being on the Plesk side. I've never used Exchange Server so can't help you with any comparisons except to say that Exchange Server is not an OS, it is a mail server as is MailEnable. Cheers, Brett

Lost User

For my personal domain, I use Google Apps for Domains. It handles mail upto 6GB per account for up to 25 accounts free. I use it because I like its web interface. POP also works. Mail send from your mail client is stored on the web mail also.

Link2006

Brett Rowbotham wrote:

I've never used Exchange Server so can't help you with any comparisons except to say that Exchange Server is not an OS, it is a mail server as is MailEnable.

Okay, I just got back from a tech support. Actually Exchange Server is a standalone Operating System, not like MailEnable, which is just a server software.

Lost User

:omg: Time to change your tech support - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Exchange_Server[^]

ResidentGeek

Uh, no. I don't know who your tech support person is, but Exchange Server is not an operating system. It must be run on a server running Windows Server operating system. I know this firsthand - I run my own Exchange Server and have done for several years now.

Caffeine - it's what's for breakfast! (and lunch, and dinner, and...)

ne0h

Link2006 wrote:

Actually Exchange Server is a standalone Operating System

:omg: :wtf: . That tech-support guy having a TVD (typical Vista disorder)

"hi, I am explorer.exe. sometimes when you are doing anything at all, I will just freeze for ten minutes. All of my brother and sister windows will also freeze, because they are sad for me. Maybe we will come back, maybe not, it will be a surprise!"

Link2006

That tech support told me that I won't be able to run Exchange Server even if I choose self-managed server. So, if Exchange Server requires Windows Server to run, I should be able to install Exchange Server if I choose self-managed package! I'm going to ask him again. hmm...

ResidentGeek

That isn't necessarily so - there are pre-requisites for Exchange Server, like Active Directory (i.e., running your own domain). They may not be set up to allow that within their network, depending on how they have their network laid out. I'm only concerned that they would tell you it's an OS - I wouldn't want to work with a company that either doesn't know what an OS is or is willing to lie to their customers. If it was just a misunderstanding, that's something that could happen, but otherwise I'd be a bit concerned. I run Exchange on my own internal network, and I'm familiar with the ins and outs of running a Windows domain. It's not really what I would recommend if you're not familiar with both - it's not the best solution if all you need is a solid mail server, because there's a pretty steep learning curve.

Caffeine - it's what's for breakfast! (and lunch, and dinner, and...)