iSeries will run Windows. You can keep the reliable hardware and use multiple operating systems, including windows, on it. If Windows doesn't meet your expectations, you can change the OS but keep the hardware.
http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/soft ware/os/
I use a multi-vendor solution to this problem. I subscribe to Postini for virus and spam services, which has several benefits. First, they provide spooling services should my email server become unavailable. Second, ALL inbound and outbound email from my domain passes through their server, adding a layer of protection for my email server and the email servers of our customers (should an internal virus outbreak occur). Third, our MX record lists Postini IP addresses, so I am free to move my email server wherever I choose by simply changing the email server IP address in my Postini config. This strategy has also resolved all my blacklist problems.
At this point in time, I do happen to outsource our Exchange server to an ASP. Although I haven't had the number of outages you are reporting, I'm not sure I'd recommend the company I use. One item I would add to any contract though - require the ASP to provide monthly backup tapes so that if they are hit by a meteor, you won't lose everything.
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iSeries will run Windows. You can keep the reliable hardware and use multiple operating systems, including windows, on it. If Windows doesn't meet your expectations, you can change the OS but keep the hardware. http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/soft ware/os/
I use a multi-vendor solution to this problem. I subscribe to Postini for virus and spam services, which has several benefits. First, they provide spooling services should my email server become unavailable. Second, ALL inbound and outbound email from my domain passes through their server, adding a layer of protection for my email server and the email servers of our customers (should an internal virus outbreak occur). Third, our MX record lists Postini IP addresses, so I am free to move my email server wherever I choose by simply changing the email server IP address in my Postini config. This strategy has also resolved all my blacklist problems. At this point in time, I do happen to outsource our Exchange server to an ASP. Although I haven't had the number of outages you are reporting, I'm not sure I'd recommend the company I use. One item I would add to any contract though - require the ASP to provide monthly backup tapes so that if they are hit by a meteor, you won't lose everything.