Data Storage when using COM Addin

[Daws]

Hello,
I am trying to use a COM Addin with Outlook, but I need to know where I can
store data? Do I need to store it in an external database such as Access or
SQLServer? or can it be stored in the Exchange Database somehow?

From what I understand, if Outlook Forms are used, they take care of all the
database storage of the form item (by storing it as a record in an Exchange
DB i think). I'm wondering if this is the best / only approach, I don't
really want to install a separate DB.

In summary, can I use a COM Addin to respond to events, perform logic, and
manipulate the Outlook inteface ... then use an Outlook Form to display my
GUI and store item data? Ie. my COM Addin adds a button to the Outlook
Toolbar, when you click this button I want to launch a custom form that the
user can fill out and store it's info.

Please let me know if I appear to be on the right track.
Daws

 

[Ken Slovak - [MVP - Outlook]]

You can store it anywhere you want. Some possibilities:
in Outlook items
in hidden items in Outlook
in a database
in an INI file somewhere
in the registry

 

[Daws]

Ken,
If I store it in Outlook Items do I need to use custom outlook forms? or
can I do this programmatically from my com addin? do you have an example of
this?
Thanks.

 

[Ken Slovak - [MVP - Outlook]]

It depends on the data and how you want to use and display it. You can
always create UserProperties in any Outlook item to store any information
you want. That data wouldn't be visible when the form was opened unless you
bound the user properties to controls on a custom form however.

I'd start out by going to www.outlookcode.com and looking at the sections
there on COM addins, forms and anything else that looks interesting. You'll
pick up lots of information and tips there.