How to create Outlook forms to display data fetched from database

[Ravi]

We are facing a problem creating Windows based forms for Outlook that should
be embedded within the Outlook. If we use Windows Forms (from Visual Studio
2005), we can successfully built it with outlook add-in (C#) and use the
functionalities as needed. But we cannot attach them inside the outlook window

Another option is to use Outlook forms. Can any help by explaining how to
crate Outlook forms to achieve the following functionalities?

1.The form should display data fetched form a remote or local SQL 2005
database through WebService
2.The form will have Read-Write characteristics
3.The form should have events such as OnLoad or should respond to custom
events

Please suggest if there is any other option to implement above mentioned
functionalities.

Thanks,
Ravi

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

1) Code behind a published custom form (VBScript) or in an add-in. In Outlook 2007, form regions would also be a good solution. You might also find the developer tools at http://www.add-in-express.com useful.

2) Since Outlook custom forms and form regions are viewers for individual items, they have the read/write characteristics of the underlying items. You can, of course, make individual controls read-only as needed.

3) If you look at the Outlook object model, you'll see that each item type (e.g. ContactItem) has an Open event, among others.