How To integrate external system into Outlook

[MerlinB]

What techniques/technologies should I consider in order to use Outlook (any
version) as a front-end to an external (non MAPI) system? It already has a
Web front-end, so I do not need to consider the WebDAV or OWA type
facilities.

The external system holds emails in MIME format, and provides
search/list/details facilities, that could be made available via SOAP calls.
The emails may contain TNEF attachments, and so Outlook should be able to
display them as though from an Exchange source.

Ideas:
1. To create a 'service' that Outlook users could Add, via the Services menu
option. (Where is the documentation on these Services?)
2. To add a Forms application, and use VBA to directly access the remote
facility, or build a DCOM server app to act as a proxy - so users do not
need to install SOAP api on their desktops.
3. Write a MAPI server! I don't think.
4. any other sensible ideas???

 

[Dmitry Streblechenko]

You either need to write a store provider (Extended MAPI, C++/Delphi only)
or create an addin which adds a PST file and syncs the data from your SOAP
service when a user accesses a particular folder (a sync really).

Dmitry Streblechenko (MVP)
http://www.dimastr.com/
OutlookSpy - Outlook, CDO
and MAPI Developer Tool

 

[MerlinB]

Thanks Dmitry.

Is there a good source of information on store provider writing (client-side
dll). I have written some MAPI C++ code, but I cannot see how it could be
compiled to become a service for including with Outlook. I assume that it
would have to implement a minimum set of MAPI services.

I have just come across the COM Add-In. Perhaps this would be a better tool,
given that the use pattern would be Search -> List -> Display. Then the
results can be thrown away.

Merlin.

 

[Dmitry Streblechenko]

Try to find a copy of "Inside MAPI" (out of print, used copies start from
around $200). Or buy the PDF version of the book from
http://www.insidemapi.com (takes them about a month to ship it).

Dmitry Streblechenko (MVP)
http://www.dimastr.com/
OutlookSpy - Outlook, CDO
and MAPI Developer Tool