Hi,
I work for an MSP and our client has specifically requested that HostMonitor be used to monitor the availability of their HA Exchange Solution in terms of recipients receiving mails via either of the mail relays in place.
Basically we want to be able to monitor an email travelling from Point A (external email source) across the internet via either Point B (Primary Mail Relay Server) or Point C (Secondary Mail Relay Server) into Point D (Recipient Mailbox).
From reading through the website, it does appear that the Mail Relay monitor would be suitable for this task, but I have a couple of questions regarding installation.
1. We are intending to host the application on a virtual server within a secure data centre which is external to the clients network. Is this possible or does HostMonitor have to be installed within the clients domain on a physical server?
2. Outgoing Mail Server - I'm a little confused by the description. Based on the Point A to D description above, can you confirm if the Outgonig Mail server is simply another name for the Mail Relay server (or could be considered to be wthin this scenario?).
3. Incoming Mail Server - As the setup for this requires the specification of the mailbox to check, is this mailbox the target mailbox within the client environment or one within the HostMonitor enviroment that receives returning emails?
I must point out that my understanding of this type of environment is limited, but I have to access to people that can provide clarification on any follow up questions.
Thanks in advance.[/img]
Mail Relay Installation and Configuration
Well, I am confused by this question as well.Basically we want to be able to monitor an email travelling from Point A (external email source) across the internet via either Point B (Primary Mail Relay Server) or Point C (Secondary Mail Relay Server) into Point D (Recipient Mailbox).
Is PointA represent client computer that connects to mail servers on PointB/PointC to send e-mail? or may be PointA is mail server managed by your client? I assume PointD is another mail server that receives e-mail?
If you need to connect to mailserver on PointB or PointC then system where HostMonitor is installed should have access to PointB or PointC.1. We are intending to host the application on a virtual server within a secure data centre which is external to the clients network. Is this possible or does HostMonitor have to be installed within the clients domain on a physical server?
Do you have such access?
HostMonitor may connect to specified mail server and send e-mail but HostMonitor cannot predict what other mail relay servers will be used in transmission.2. Outgoing Mail Server - I'm a little confused by the description. Based on the Point A to D description above, can you confirm if the Outgonig Mail server is simply another name for the Mail Relay server (or could be considered to be wthin this scenario?).
Incoming Mail Server - As the setup for this requires the specification of the mailbox to check, is this mailbox the target mailbox within the client environment or one within the HostMonitor enviroment that receives returning emails?
E.g. in some cases only 1 or 2 mail servers will be used
1) HostMonitor -> mail server B -> HostMonitor. In such case server B is outgoing AND incoming mail server (you send e-mail from one mail box to another using the same server)
2) HostMonitor -> mail server B (Outgonig mail server) -> mail server C (Incoming mail server) -> HostMonitor
in other cases more mail servers can be involved in transmission
3) HostMonitor -> mail server B (Outgonig Mail server) -> mail server C (mail relay server) -> mail server D (another relay server) -> mail server E (Incoming mail server).
Actual route may depend on servers settings and network state... I think you should ask your client for details.
Regards
Alex