sbs 2003

have a power edge server running sbs 2003. seven dimension client stations. all new config with some word docs moved over to the appropriate machines. watchgaurd vpn with wireless.
have had 3 different server qualified people look at the set up.
actually the first one set up the server and created the local domain as "notthecompanywebname.local"
there were issues and i had another guy come in.
he said no, no, no it should be "companywebname". i let him wipe hit clean and do it his way. 8 attempted installs later he got it up and i got him the hell out of there.
asked a third person in to verify the setup and make sure all was ok to get the system plugged into dsl. he indicates the second guy was an idiot and wants to wiipe and make it "companywebname.local"
what say the majority here?
watchgaurd is taking the dsl. watchgaurd is handling dhcp. server is dealing with dns, outlook exchange and share point.
what is the ideal config?

 

is this the only server?

 

that is correct

 

I dont understand your question exactly? What is it that you are trying to do? What is it thats not working correctly? Please be more detailed.

 

.local is only for local domains using active directory. Since you only have one server, then you can use either without .local or with. If you give the DNS the same name as an existing DNS, then it may cause confusion and that is primariliy why .local is used. That is how I understand it.

 

if you attempt to use a true domain name like
"yourcompanyname.com" Thn when you set up the domain and AD your machine will attempt to register itself as the controller with a DNS server, this will lead to a whole bunch of errors in the event log and probably an angry web admin. If your server is not going to be hosting a web page, or does not need to be accessed from a web page then use .local and save yourself the DNS headache.

 

all that is planned is to be able to use microsoft exchange from this server. their actual web site and mail is hosted else where.
would using the .local prevent this?