Chapter 9 -- MAPI-Based Clients

Chapter 9

About This Chapter

Microsoft Outlook 2000 can work simultaneously with a wide variety of messaging systems because this application relies on the Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) subsystem. MAPI defines several types of information services, such as address book providers, message stores, and transport services, which are configured by means of messaging profiles. A typical messaging profile, for instance, includes the Exchange transport service and the Outlook address book. However, additional information services, such as a personal folder store, can be added. In any case, when connecting to Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, you must include the Exchange transport service.

The tremendous flexibility of the MAPI subsystem is one of its most remarkable features. Its main limitation is that the configuration resides on the client systems. Fortunately, you can facilitate this task for your users by preconfiguring an administrative Outlook installation point in the network, as discussed in Chapter 8, "Microsoft Outlook 2000 Deployment."

This chapter first introduces the client family of MAPI-based applications. Lessons 2 and 3 then concentrate on the creation and configuration of messaging profiles and the most important MAPI information services. Lesson 4 discusses advanced configuration topics, such as configurations for roaming users and for remote users working disconnected from the network.

Before You Begin

To complete this chapter:

• Prepare your test environment according to the descriptions given in the "Getting Started" section of "About This Book."
• Be familiar with the basic configuration of messaging profiles and the Exchange transport service as briefly explained in Chapter 8, "Microsoft Outlook 2000 Deployment."