Home > IT Answers > Exchange > Conference Room Meeting Calendar Project Small Business Server 2003
Peggy10
25 pts.
 Conference Room Meeting Calendar Project Small Business Server 2003
Group Calendar Configuration, Outlook 2003, Outlook Group Calendar, SBS 2003, Small Business Server 2003, Windows Server 2003
I've been asked to set up a group calendar that will display all meetings scheduled in 5-6 meeting rooms on one calendar view. The desired functionality includes automatic acceptance of reservations, automatic rejection of duplicate reservations, and color coding of the different resource rooms in the calendar display. This is in a Small Business Server 2003 environment. After reading many articles, I'm beginning to think this is not possible. Can I do all these things, and if so, what's the best way? Thanks.

Software/Hardware used:
Windows Server 2003, Small Business Server 2003, Outlook 2003 clients
ASKED: October 20, 2010  7:38 PM
UPDATED: February 15, 2011  11:29 AM
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Answer Wiki:
If you are using a fully installed version of SBS 2003 Std or Premium (ie all the features installed), then I suggest you use the Sharepoint Service running on your intranet. Normally your browser will default to the Company Intranet Website. You can add any amount of apps to the list, and amongst the downloads from the Microsoft Sharepoint site you will find amongst others, Room and Equipment Reservations, Vacation Calenders, Help Desk etc. There are of several commercially available add ons for Outlook as well which provide Group Calender facilities, but really its a choice of a free addition to what you may already have or paying for a commercial program.
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  October 22, 2010  9:06 am  by  Fitzyg   30 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  Fitzyg   30 pts.
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.


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Thanks for the suggestions. I did try Sharepoint Services first, and would much prefer to use it. But the ability to prevent double booking and color-code room resources is not available on our version. (WSS2). It appears we would have to go up 2 versions, to Sharepoint 2007, and even then this functionality isn’t available OOTB. It requires scripting or other workarounds. That’s why I turned to Exchange Public Calendars as an alternative. I know this is a common function in many organizations, so maybe I’m missing something. Maybe Group Schedules on a public calendar will have to be a fallback? Basically I need for users to be able to open a calendar view and immediately see which meeting rooms are in use (via color-coding) or where their meeting is taking place.

Peggy10
 25 pts.
 

Editing to add, I researched Room and Equipment Reservations and found many complaints about the way it works. I’m not sure it would do what I am looking for, but it’s hard to know without being able to see it in action.

Peggy10
 25 pts.
 

I think fitzyq have gave you the correct answer ..

windows small business server 2003

Softwarellc1
 10 pts.
 

Found this question when looking for an answer to something similar.

We use a product called Exchange Group Calendars to achieve what you want. It is a good product, easy to use and the people who make it offer good, quick responding support.

http://www.exchangegroupcalendar.com/

However, the product is not free, I think we paid £750 back in 2007 for a license and 3 years support/upgrades. When the support ends you can still use the product, just don’t get access to upgrades.

I would recommend it for what you’re doing, if you’re company are willing to pay for the functionality.

AMcHale
 10 pts.