RSSMicrosoft Exchange Server provides a foundation for shared address lists through the global address list; enter outside addresses as custom recipients. If everyone is using Microsoft Outlook, you can also create public folders for sharing contacts.
If you don’t have Exchange Server, beyond the tools listed below, you might consider using:
- An LDAP server — especially if you have a Windows 2000 server running Active Directory, which is Outlook can access with its LDAP service. See Shared address book with Active Directory.
- Net Folders (Outlook 98 and Outlook 2000 only and not fully reliable)
- A web-based contact list with a synchronization feature
- Using the Briefcase to Share Microsoft Outlook Folders
As noted above, for Exchange Server users, the Global Address List or a public Contacts folder provide a built-in means for Exchange Server users to tap into a shared address list. These tools can take it one step further by synchronizing the GAL or a Contacts folder with other contact databases or synchronizing user Contacts folders with a public folder.
MAPI Providers | Database Synchronization Tools | Exchange Server Tools
Other Tools | More Information
| Tools in the Spotlight | |
|---|---|
UnitySync (Previously SimpleSync) is a tool that synchronizes data between directories, providing organizations with a unified view of their disparate directories. UnitySync can scale from a small directories with hundreds of objects to enterprise directories consisting of hundreds of thousands of objects without requiring extensive training or installation/configuration time. All major directories and databases supported. | |
| Tools | |
|---|---|
The Bynari AddressBook is a fully LDAP 2 and LDAP 3 compliant query tool designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Outlook (2003-2013). The Bynari AddressBook is capable of querying any OpenLDAP, Active Directory, or LDAP2/LDAP3 compliant database. | |
Tool for two-way data transfer between Outlook and Microsoft Access (or through Access to any ODBC data source), including custom fields. Handling of contact links and appointment recurrences. Automatically creates Access tables based on Outlook fields. Updates can be run on a scheduled for automatic synchronization. | |
Modifications in Microsoft Exchange will not take effect immediately as address lists only update once every 24 hours unless the action is carried out manually using the update-globaladdresslist and update-addresslist cmdlets. G/AL Update takes away the need to spend time in a shell by updating both address lists, needing just the | |
An NT/2000/XP Service that copies Global Address List information to a database, using Extended MAPI, not ADSI or CDO. GALtoDB supports Microsoft Access, Oracle, Microsoft SQL, and most other database systems. It includes the ability to create a new distribution list based on information from the Global Address List, while excluding email addresses that match criteria that you define, perfect for creating or recreating an up-to-date distribution list that does not contain unwanted accounts, such as Service Accounts, opt'ed out accounts, VIP accounts, etc. | |
Law practice management tools for Microsoft Outlook, using contacts, tasks, appointments, and journal items. With Exchange Server, the information can be shared centrally with contacts synchronized throughout the firm. Includes time docketing. | |
Insight AddressBook is an Outlook plug-in that has the same look and feel as Microsoft's Global Address List, from an LDAP server. This application is designed to provide customers, with even very large directory, instantaneous lookups when using the "check name" feature in a new mail message. It has caching capabilities, and queries take less than three seconds for the entire directory. The AddressBook integrates completely with Insight Connector and Outlook. The browsable GAL can lookup and display the name, email, phone numbers, fax, and more for each user. In addition, the schema can be changed to work with other mail servers. Free trial available. | |
