Outlook 2000 in a Nutshell

Chapter 14. Collaborating with Outlook

When used as an Exchange Server client, Outlook provides rich server-based collaborative features. Running as a standalone mail client and PIM connected to the Internet or a corporate LAN, Outlook provides more limited collaborative features using peer-to-peer techniques.

This chapter looks at two of these features: Net Folders and Internet Free/Busy. Although these peer-based collaboration methods have the advantage of not requiring a server, people with low tolerance levels should not attempt to use either of these features. When they work, they work well, but getting them to work can be an exercise in frustration. This chapter should alleviate at least a part of this frustration.

Net Folders

Using Net Folders, an Outlook client can create shared folders, which can be accessed by other Outlook clients on the local network or via the Internet. Data in a shared folder can be added, changed, or deleted by any authorized user. Changes are replicated, using standard Internet mail protocols, to all participants. The only prerequisite for using Net Folders is that all members of the sharing group must have an email address. Even non-Outlook clients may participate in some aspects of shared folders, although with reduced functionality.

Some potential uses for Net Folders are:

• Collaborate with co-workers on a project

• Exchange and update appointments and schedules with friends or family

• An alternative to a mailing list or listserver

• Share a common set of ...