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Mail-Enabled Applications

Applications can communicate in many ways. Perhaps the most well-known communication standard is Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) email. Another common standard is the Mail Application Programming Interface (MAPI.) By enabling your applications and databases to send email when certain events occur, you can be assured the application will keep you informed, no matter where you may be.

Email Scenarios

Here are a few of the many scenarios where an application can utilize email to accomplish business requirements:

• Contact web page
• Feedback form
• Regularly sending an event log
• Error reporting
• Critical event monitoring
• Maintenance reminders
• Data transmission
• ...and many more

Web or Desktop

Email functionality is equally useful in web-based or desktop applications. With desktop programs, you can leverage existing software and features, such as Outlook and its calendar and address book.

Web applications can have email capability, regardless of the whether it resides on a Windows or Linux hosting platform. Using common, standard mail scripts, you can quickly configure your web application to send email at the appropriate moment.

Beware the Spam Filter

Once sent to a valid email address, your message should find its way safely to the intended inbox, right? Maybe not, as some have learned through experience. Spam filters can be quite sophisticated. Unless the proper precautions are taken and the correct mail-sending techniques are followed, the message could succumb to an unintended spam filter. A knowledgeable developer can assist you to ensure this does not happen.

Know the Host

Web-based applications not hosted in-house typically reside on a shared hosting account at a Web Hosting Service Provider. Often, these shared accounts have pre-installed many bits of functionality, including one or more email components you can use. However, it can be quite a challenge to figure out the best approach, and setting up your web applications correctly in such a situation. Fortunately, experienced and affordable consulting help is readily available.

Use Your Imagination

Email can have so many uses in applications; the only limit is your ability to conceive ideas for how to use it. When considering a new application, especially if you have not previously developed email-aware applications, you are well-advised to seek the advice of a consultant experienced in these matters. Whether you are planning to develop the application yourself, or if you need assistance, your consultant can help you get on the right track and stay there.

Learn More

Productive Technology has a consultant with much experience developing mail-enabled applications. Having developed many applications using MAPI, SMTP, CDO, and other standards, your consultant can advise you as to the best choices for your particular situation. Contact Productive Technology today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the mail-enabled application you want.