How to enalbe offline Outlook synchronisation within Exchange 2003 with IMAP4

[KingCronos]

We have always had a Citrix environment (Presentation 4) for our
Windows 2000 domain with Exchange 2003. Although we do have roaming
users with laptops, they dial into the network via Citrix and use their
email live. However, management want to change it so they access their
email direct from their laptops offline, and then dial up to
synchronise. I know this is something basic, but what do I have to do
apart from enable the IMAP4 service on the Exchange server side - if
anything at all?

Thanks,

Cronos

 

[Roady [MVP]]

You really don't want to go that way. Forget about IMAP4.

If you are running Exchange 2003 on a Windows 2003 server you can enable RPC
over HTTP which provides the most flexibility for your users.
Another way to go would be to enable VPN for these users.

Both methods will allow your users to access their mailbox as like they are
in the office and will enable them to continue to use all the Exchange
features. IMAP4 doesn't provide this.

 

[KingCronos]

Hi,

We already use OWA. Management specifically want an offline client
available for people on the move who do not always have an internet
connection.

So what is the problem with IMAP4 - is it a security issue?

Is rpc over http straight forward to set up and allow offline access?

Thanks

 

[Kirill Palagin]

Choosing RPC is not about security, but about functionality. RPC gives
you full Exchange functionality. Outlook cached mode gives you
everything even when disconnected from the server.

But setting up RPC over HTTP is non-trivial task. See
http://support.microsoft.com/search...0&res=20&ast=1&ast=2&ast=4&ast=7&mode=a&adv=1

Alternatively you can setup VPN for that or publish Exchange with ISA
Server.

Hi,

We already use OWA. Management specifically want an offline client
available for people on the move who do not always have an internet
connection.

So what is the problem with IMAP4 - is it a security issue?

Is rpc over http straight forward to set up and allow offline access?

Thanks

Bhalchandra wrote:

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Thank you very much!

 

[Roady [MVP]]

As I pointed out and Kirill as well is that you miss Exchange functionality
(setting permissions, OOF, etc...). Additionally you'll have to maintain 2
accounts or even mail profiles which are of course never in synch when you
need it to be as they are maintained separately. With RPC over HTTP or VPN
you can use the same configuration you always use.

--
Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003


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