C# or C++ Addin

[Alan]

Hi

We've been developing Outlook components for several years. These include
Exchange client extensions, COM Add-ins and Service Providers, all written
in C++. In line with Microsoft our client extensions have virtually
disappeared, and most code is now in the COM Add-in; but with having to
support Outlook 2007, is now the time to move over to C#?

Looking at Outlook 2007 and all of the new features (in particular Ribbon
Bar and Form Regions) it seems that most (if not all) examples are provided
in C# (or VB.net, which I'm not considering). My experimenting with C# tell
me it is quick and easy, but what happens if I have to dive into MAPI from
my new C# code (as was often the case in earlier version of our COM Addin).

Any thoughts, experiences are much appreaciated.

Alan.

 

[Dmitry Streblechenko]

Outlook 2007 is still COM based, but so you should be able to support it in
a C++ COM add-in easily.
See
http://blogs.msdn.com/jensenh/archive/2006/12/08/using-ribbonx-with-c-and-atl.aspx
As for Extended MAPI, forget about it: you can of course use a wrapper like
mapi33 or use a third party wrapper like Redemption, but you won't be able
to access MAPI natively.

Dmitry Streblechenko (MVP)
http://www.dimastr.com/
OutlookSpy - Outlook, CDO
and MAPI Developer Tool