RE: firewall & proxy server

I'd like to respond to this question if I may.

First let me say that we're on V4R1; we'll be going to V4R3 shortly.  This may 
(or may not) clear up some problems we've had. Our desktop client is Outlook 
97.  We've decided to look at Exchange Server because we've heard it's very 
stable and reliable plus has good administrative tools. 

I thought that setting up and configuring the AS40 for email was pretty simple 
and straightforward.  The TCP/IP manual did a good job of describing this 
procedure. What the TCP/IP manual doesn't do is explain how all these 
components work together, what all those running jobs are and what they're 
doing, and it doesn't have anything on troubleshooting. 

For the most part, I would have to say that the AS400 makes a pretty reliable 
mail server--most of the time. It's those times when it isn't--and there seems 
to be little we can do about it--which gives us headaches. 

Often it's just a random user not getting their mail. Checking their mailbox 
may show a bunch of messages piled up that are not getting delivered. We don't 
know why they're hung up or how to fix it. 

Occasionally, nobody will be able to send mail. When they try it comes back 
undeliverable with a message from QGATE (whatever that is) saying, "Host xxxxx 
not able to resolve recipient's address" even though the address is a known 
good one.

Another problem we've had is with receiving attachments--sometimes they work, 
sometime they don't. Usually, the 400 doesn't receive graphics file or .EXE 
files correctly. Sometimes I'll get a report of a user not being able to open a 
Word doc they received. This is pretty serious since we get quite a few 
important documents via email. Sending attachments seems to work fine.

The main complaint that I have is the apparent lack of useful and helpful 
troubleshooting tools for problems when they do crop up.  When a problem 
occurs, there are few documented steps or procedures (that I've been able to 
find) you can follow you find and correct the problems. This list, which is a 
fine resource on some topics, wasn't able to answer my questions about mail.


-----Original Message-----
From:   owner-midrange-l@midrange.com  On Behalf Of Robert Kraai
Sent:   Wednesday, July 07, 1999 1:40 PM
To:     'MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com'
Subject:        RE: firewall & proxy server

I'd be interested in knowing why you are changing.  We are just getting 
ready to implement one of our AS/400s as an email server as well as the 
host of your web site.  Is there something that I should know??
---Bob Kraai


-----Original Message-----
From:   Brown, Camille [SMTP:cbrown@che400.state.sc.us]
Sent:   Thursday, July 01, 1999 2:22 PM
To:     'midrange-l@midrange.com'
Subject:        firewall & proxy server

We have the firewall product installed on our AS/400.  It's working fine 
but . . . here's the catch.  The AS/400 has been acting as a pop server, 
and we're now going to be moving the mail to an Exchange Server.  Also, 
we're in a token ring environment and are in the process of switching to 
ethernet.  We are a small shop, and I find that in making these changes, it 
requires extensive re-configuration of the firewall product.  I'd like to 
explore some options--one of which I've been told is Microsoft Proxy 
Server, since we use an NT Server or biting the bullet and keeping the 
AS/400 firewall in place.  Any thoughts?  I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you very much, Camille Brown

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