ID: Q105959
The information in this article applies to:
Below is a list of common questions and answers about Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) from versions 3.0, 3.0b, and 3.2 of Microsoft Mail for PC Networks. This information can help you understand what MAPI is and what it can do.
1. Q. What are common messaging calls (CMC), Simple MAPI, and Extended
MAPI?
A. Simple MAPI and CMC include a set of functions for application
developers to make applications mail-aware. Examples of mail-aware
applications include spreadsheet programs and word processors.
Both can also be used to build custom messaging applications.
The difference between CMC and Simple MAPI is that CMC is a cross
platform API. CMC is independent of the operating system and
underlying hardware used by the messaging service. However, both
contain similar functionality, such as sending, addressing,
receiving, and saving messages.
Extended MAPI provides more complex messaging capabilities. Extended
MAPI allows applications to manage the generation and handling of
complex messages, large numbers of received messages, message store,
and complex addressing information. Extended MAPI application
functionality includes data collection, work flow, message
management, unattended message filtering, and agent-based retrieval
applications.
Extended MAPI is currently only accessible via C or C++. At this
time, no Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) or Visual Basic for
Applications interface is available.
2. Q. What are the current support options for CMC, Simple MAPI, and
Extended MAPI?
A. CMC and Simple MAPI support is provided by Microsoft Product
there is currently no support. However, you can obtain the MAPI
specification from either of three sources:
- Electronic mail: Send requests to mapi@microsoft.com; be sure to
include your mailing address
- FTP server.../developr/mapi
NOTE: The MSWRKGRP forum no longer exists.
3. Q. What do I need to create a MAPI program?
A. A MAPI program (or client) can be created using either Microsoft C
or Microsoft Visual Basic. Simple MAPI functions are accessed from
MAPI.DLL, which is included with versions 3.0 and 3.2 of Microsoft
Mail for Windows.
The "Technical Reference Guide" and disk included with Mail for PC
Networks provide function descriptions, as well as sample source
code. To run your MAPI application, you need version 3.0 or later of
Microsoft Windows, version 3.0 or later of a Mail for PC Networks
postoffice, version 3.0 or later of Mail for Windows.
4. Q. Is Extended MAPI functionality available now?
A. No. However, if you are interested, you can ask to be considered for
the MAPI 1.0 SDK beta by sending your name, phone number, fax
number, address, and development interest by sending Internet mail
to mapi@microsoft.com or by calling (206) 936-6956.
NOTE: Extended MAPI is currently only available via C or C++.
5. Q. What is a service provider?
A. A service provider is the backend that provides true messaging-
system independence for applications. A service provider is like a
Windows printer driver. Just as a printer driver allows printing to
a specific printer, a service provider allows communication to any
messaging service such as Mail for PC Networks, MHS, and PROFS.
Multiple providers can be available to the same mail client
simultaneously. Address Book, Message store and Transport service
providers can be developed with the MAPI 1.0 SDK beta.
6. Q. Does MAPI work with the Mail Remote for Windows?
A. MAPI works with version 3.2 of Microsoft Mail Remote for Windows
in the same way it works with Mail for Windows, with respect to
functionality with the Mail Message File (MMF) and
sending/receiving. When your application quits, Mail automatically
tries to dial out if the Remote client is selected.
7. Q. Can I use MAPI to create an MS-DOS application?
A. No. MAPI can only be used to create Windows applications.
8. Q. Does Simple MAPI work with Windows NT?
A. Yes. NT includes a 32-bit MAPI.DLL and a 16-bit MAPI.DLL file. For
more information on these files, please refer to article Q108842 in
the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
9. Q. Can I do administration with MAPI?
A. No. MAPI does not contain administrative functionality.
10. Q. What are custom commands and custom message types?
A. Custom commands allow you to add commands to menus in Mail for
Windows. These commands can run a program or perform a task. Custom
message types are messages that can be specific between sender and
recipient and can be used to perform tasks based on a mail event
such as delivery of mail, composing a message, and reading mail.
11. Q. Where can I get more information about MAPI?
A. You can access information on MAPI from a number of sources. The
"Technical Reference Guide" and disk included with Microsoft Mail for
PC Networks and version 3.1 of Microsoft Windows for Workgroups contain
sample code and reference material.
Another good reference for actual implementation of MAPI calls from
various Microsoft products is available in the Workgroup templates
software package.
The Windows for Workgroups Resource Kit, the Microsoft Software
Developer's Network (MSDN) CD, and Microsoft Visual Basic versions 2.0
and 3.0 for Windows are good references for MAPI information.
You can obtain the MAPI 1.0 specification by mailing
mapi@microsoft.com.
Last Reviewed: April 22, 1996