Outlook add-ins

Outlook add-ins - are special extensions for Outlook, which allow you to add extra features to the main program. Interest in the add-ins can be easily explained by the fact that Outlook does not have some features that are implemented in other mail programs.

Here are examples of popular Outlook add-ins types:

• spam filters,
• connectors to other mail services,
• e-mail schedulers,
• reminders,
• notifiers,
• modules for print/view images, etc.

Outlook object model

Outlook has a special object model, based on the Component Object Model (COM) technology, which can be used by programmers to create their own solutions using Visual C # or Visual Basic languages.

Such a module can be created by virtually any author, so they may have widely different capabilities limited by author’s fantasy only. Using add-ins allows user to customize a program “personally for himself”, so “more add-ons, better” principle might nicely work here.

Special Outlook backup add-ins

Currently there are several popular backup add-ins for Outlook, such as Personal Folders Backup Add-In and Backup Exec Outlook Add-In. Instead of manual copying or use Import/Export options, it is easier to use Outlook backup addin.

Creating Outlook Addin

1. To create a new Outlook add-in you need Visual Studio program. On the File menu, select New, and then click Project.
2. In the templates pane, select programming language, and then expand Office/SharePoint. Select the Office Add-ins.
3. In the next step you need to choose Outlook 2010 Add-in or Outlook 2013 Add-in (to create outlook backup add in 2013).
4. In the Name box, enter the name of your new AddIn. Click OK. Now add code to your new code file.

Note that add-ins can be specialized for one or several Outlook version. For example, the special Personal Folders Backup Add-In does the backup Outlook 2007, 2003 and 2002.