Question about Exchange Server licenses

[Suture]

I'm trying to figure out Exchange Server 2000 pricing and packages. I wanted to pick up Exchange to install on a PC at home and start learning. This is not really my arena (I am in smart cards/PKI) but I have always been interested in learning some more about Exchange.

I see Exchange Server 2000 through Price Watch for as low as $155. Then I see some 5 CAL version for more, and 25 CAL versions for even more. I know CAL is Client Access License, but why is this version that I see everywhere that doesn't seem to be CAL-restricted -- the cheapest?

 

[ITJunkie]

best guess would be that 1) it's maybe the SMB version (though that's unlikely at that price) or 2)doesn't come with CAL's but you will still need to purchase them separately (more than likely).

 

[stash]

Do yourself a favor and get Exchange 2003.

Better yet, do yourself a huge favor and get the 2003 trial edition. http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/evaluation/trial/2003.mspx

 

[ScottMac]

You can get a free Exchange 2003 "Kit" from Microsoft. It includes (I believe) Server 2003, Exchange, and SQL2000.

It's either a 90 or 180 day license Good enough to learn & play.

Good Luck

Scott