EXPERT RESPONSE
Detailed information on this topic is available from Microsoft: "Introduction to front-end and back-end topologies for Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange 2000 Server."
If you are in the middle of a migration from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange Server 2003, you need to wait and cut everyone over at the same time as you cannot access Exchange 5.5 mailboxes with the Outlook Web Access (OWA) 2003 interface.
The following table from Microsoft articulates the various options you have in this scenario:
| Outlook Web Access versions available to users |
| Front-end server | Back-end server | Outlook Web Access version |
| Exchange 5.5 | Exchange 5.5 | Exchange 5.5 |
| Exchange 5.5 | Exchange 2000 | Exchange 5.5 |
| Exchange 5.5 | Exchange 2003 | Not supported |
| Exchange 2000 | Exchange 5.5 | Not supported |
| Exchange 2000 | Exchange 2000 | Exchange 2000 |
| Exchange 2000 | Exchange 2003 | Not supported |
| Exchange 2003 | Exchange 5.5 | Not supported |
| Exchange 2003 | Exchange 2000 | Exchange 2000 |
| Exchange 2003 | Exchange 2003 | Exchange 2003 |
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Outlook Web Access was changed significantly along the various releases of Exchange Server. Even the Exchange 2007 OWA experience has more advanced features and functionalities than its predecessors.
Do you have comments on this Ask the Expert Q&A? Let us know.
Related information from SearchExchange.com:
Expert Advice: Migrating multiple locations from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003
Expert Advice: Some accounts can't log onto OWA after migration
Tip: Preparing for an Exchange 2003 upgrade
11 tips in 11 minutes: Migrating from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange Server 2003
Learning Guide: Exchange migration
Reference Center: Exchange migration advice and resources
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