Microsoft 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
These tools synchronize Outlook contacts folders with external databases. In effect, the database is the group contacts list, with the sync utility ensuring that Outlook has the latest data. Exchange Server is not required.
MAPI Providers | Database Synchronization Tools | Exchange Server Tools | Other Tools | More Information
Tools
Add2Exchange Enterprise Contacts with GAL Sync syncs Exchange global address list to users so they have a local copy of your corporate address book contacts and on smartphones and mobile devices. Global Address List synchronization allows you to treat the GAL as the 'source' public folder of a relationship to be synchronized one way with one or more users' mailbox folders. Supports small attached photos and Outlook fields which are not in the GAL. Sync 1-way, not bi-directional. Can sync Calendars, Tasks, Posts, Notes, and builds relationships with the Relationship Group Manager. 21 day trial. | |
ADSynch Light is a lightweight Active Directory, Exchange and LDAP synchronization tool, enabling you to easily and securely synchronize two or more directories using optimized dotNet technologies. Set a few parameters within the GUI, like user credentials, select the attributes and the objects you want to synchronize and you can start keeping two LDAP directories in synch with each other using any data transformation you like, e.g. for enabling mail communication, user migration, etc. ADSynch Light is not a directory or a metadirectory, it simply synchronises directory information. | |
FromGALtoContacts is a cloud instant flow that creates a local Contact for each mailbox in the GAL. The flow can work only with mailboxes - it ignores the groups and organization mail contacts | |
Provides database connectivity to Outlook and Exchange, allowing easy access to contact, calendar and customer information stored in your database. Tasks can also be created in Outlook based on events in your database. Ability to Synchronize both ways means information can be updated or backed-up quickly. Offers complete flexibility by allowing connectivity to any standard database through ODBC. Microsoft Outlook 2002/2003/2007/2010/2013 | |
messageconcept PeopleSync acts as a directory connector for mobile devices. The software synchronizes the company's address lists automatically with your smartphones, tablets and applications. PeopleSync works with enterprise sources, such as Office 365, Exchange Server, SharePoint, databases and various CRM systems. On client side all LDAP and CardDAV clients are supported. Therefore the address books can be accessed and synchronized on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and even office phones. | |
Sync2DB is a Windows application that safely links, connects and synchronize Microsoft Outlook folders data with your SQL database or any other database simultaneously. |
