Q166097 - INFO: Known MAPI Address Types

PSS ID Number: Q166097

Article Last Modified on 12-7-2001

The information in this article applies to:

Summary

E-mail addresses in MAPI are defined by two properties. The address type, PR_ADDRTYPE, is a string property that names the messaging system the address is destined for. It is used by MAPI to assign responsibility for an e-mail address to the right transport provider. The e-mail address itself, PR_EMAIL_ADDRESS, is another string whose format varies depending upon PR_ADDRTYPE. It is not interpreted by MAPI, but by the transport provider and by the messaging system itself.

More Information

This appendix lists address types known to MAPI and the corresponding e- mail address formats. Several of these address types, including SMTP, X400, and FAX are used by a large number of messaging systems. It is important that all MAPI components agree on the type name and address format for such common types, so they can interoperate smoothly. MAPI address book providers, MAPI transport providers, and gateways to messaging systems with MAPI-based clients should all take note of this specification.

To define a new address type, to make comments or suggestions about the information in this appendix, or to request more information, send e-mail to mapi@microsoft.com. The following table, and many of the address type specifications that follow, are work in progress.

   Messaging system            Address type    Owner or reference document
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------
   3Com® 3+Mail®               3COM 3Com       (3+Open®)
   AT&T Easylink Services      ATT             AT&T
   cc:Mail (proposed)          CCMAIL          IBM
   CompuServe (proposed)       COMPUSERVE      CompuServe
   Microsoft Exchange Server   EX              Microsoft
   Facsimile                   FAXMSFAX
   MCI MAIL                    MCI             MCI Communications Corp.
   Novell® Message
   Handling System             MHS             Novell
   Microsoft Mail Server
   for PC Networks             MS              Microsoft
   Microsoft Mail Server
   for Appletalk Networks      MSA             Starnine Technologies®
   The Microsoft Network       MSN             Microsoft
   Professional Office System  PROFS
   Internet                    SMTP            Internet Request
                                               for Comments (RFC) 822
   SNA Distribution System     SNADS
   Telex (proposed)            TELEX
   X.400 Message Handling
   System                      X400            CCITT X.400 series
                                               specifications
   X.500 Directory Services    X500            CCITT X.500 series
                                               specifications

In most cases address types are invisible to the user. However, when trying to send a message to a recipient that does not appear in an address book, the address type must be known or the message will not be delivered. The address type is used by MAPIResolveName to help create a temporary recipient with the appropriate credentials. Once MAPIResolveName accomplishes this, the message can be handed off to the appropriate transport for delivery to the intended recipient.

References

MSDN Library CD, October 1996, "Address Types"

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Keywords: kbinterop kbusage kbMsg kbMAPI100
Issue Type: kbinfo
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