I need to run OWA off the SPS web site to avoid sending users to their OWA client on a separate box and it asking them to login, again. The exchange web parts are too cumbersome to configure for all the users.

So, SharePoint is loaded and running from a "normal course" installation with a local copy of SQL Server 2005. The SPS environment is running SSL with a valid wildcard certificate. I don't "necessarily" need another full-blown "Front-End" server just the OWA application. In short, load SMTP and NNTP > exchange 2k3 minimal w/ System Management Tools > and a Vista-based Exchange KB update. Save the installed Virtual directory to config file and create it in an excluded path on your SharePoint IIS Site.

SharePoint 2003 and 2007 does a fantastic job of loading it's databases onto a SQL Server 2000 (2005 is better). However, it is a good idea to consult your Database Administrator prior to the implementation to ensure that the project goes smoothly. There will be several questions the DBA will ask. Here are many answers you will find helpful as well as a couple of cool tricks.