Backup

I am in the process of purchasing a tape backup drive for a server in a remote location. I have taken a look at the backup utility that comes with Windows 2000 server. It appears to do most of what I need. However, I have a few questions? The server has Exchange on it and it appears that it will backup the Information Store and Directory however not the mailboxes. Is this true or is there a way to activate this? Can the System State be backed up? Finally, should I consider a backup program such as Veritas and what advantage will that give me?