About Directory Access Functions

You can use Microsoft Exchange Server directory access functions instead of the MAPI address book interfaces to manage information contained in the directory. These functions are typically used to perform the following actions:

• Manipulate directory objects while creating and maintaining custom add-on services.
• Manage a large number of directory objects at one time.
• Synchronize Microsoft Exchange Server directory objects with other directory services.
• Automatically update Windows NT user accounts as directory objects are updated.

The directory access functions are available only to applications running on Windows NT Server. They are most often used for setting up and maintaining applications, and, where appropriate, by server applications themselves.

Calls to these functions are commonly used to create, delete, import, and export objects such as mailboxes, distribution lists, remote addresses, gateways, mailbox agents, address types, and address templates.

Specific tasks carried out by directory access functions include:

• Loading configuration information or extended attributes for objects in the directory when a new mailbox agent or gateway is installed.
• Creating new objects in the directory, deleting directory objects, or manipulating directory objects individually or as a group. For example, an application can create a new Recipients container to contain application-specific Mail-Recipients objects such as public folders or mailboxes.
• Obtaining information about changes for synchronization with other systems.

For more information about directory access functions, see Using Directory Access Functions to Share Information.