I have a client with a small office network of about 15 workstations and a single Windows 2000 Server acting as the domain controller, MS Exchange Server for in-house email, file server, print server, etc.

We're considering moving our Internet email in-house using our business DSL line. We already have a static IP address pool we've purchased from the DSL provider and will most likely host our DNS services with a third party entity. What we're considering is going with a Red Hat Linux 9 box in the DMZ to be used as a mail relay to and from our Exchange Server as well as possibly provide other services on the public side of the network (i.e. web services).

This will be a big change for me in that I am relatively new to Linux. I've always supported Microsoft shops. I'm expecting I will have a great deal to learn and intend to setup a Redhat 9 box at home before attempting it at the customer's site.

I guess what I am looking for is any advice any of you might have in this endeavor I will be facing.

Best Regards,
Chris Thompson

It shouldn't be too difficult, but I have to say, start reading everything you can find about sendmail. It can be very fussy. But once you get a good sendmail.cf file created, you should be able to make changes with relative ease.

I've been running my own sendmail for about a year now. I love it, but there is much more involved with it than just setting up sendmail.

You need to consider authentication protocols, make sure you use ones that are supported by your mail clients.

If this server is going to be a relay, be very very carefull about staying on top of any security issues. Probably only relay from ONE ip address... I know it seems obvious, but this is very very important.

My server gets hit atleast a few times a day for relay requests from spammers.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out....