Administrator Program Extensions

A server application's directory object makes the application visible to the Microsoft Exchange Server Administrator program Through the Administrator program, administrators manage an application's directory attributes by using its object's property sheet. Property sheets are composed of one or more property pages. You can extend the Administrator program to include custom property pages, and you add property pages by creating Administrator extension DLLs.

You can also create new data fields for a directory object, control these new fields through custom property pages, and manage this application-specific extension data. These property pages can be used by administrators to view other data accessible on a Microsoft Exchange Server system, such as data in an information store. The Extension-Data attribute is used to associate these new data fields with your application's directory object. Special Administrator extension functions provide support for the Extension-Data directory attribute. Extension data is commonly used to configure an application's behavior.

Several sample applications included with this SDK illustrate the installation and use of Administrator extension DLLs that extend the abilities of the Administrator program. They include the Queue Viewer (QUEVIEW), the Extension Data Viewer (EXTDATVW), the Mailbox Extension sample application (MBXSERV), the Sample Mailbox Agent, and the Sample Gateway.

Benefits of Extending the Administrator Program

Although you can write your own custom administration interfaces for your server application, it is usually more efficient to extend the Administrator program. Benefits of using Microsoft Exchange Server Administrator extensions include the following centralized administration capabilities:

• A single program The Administrator program can be used to control a wide range of applications from many different vendors. Performing administration tasks at a central location can standardize and thus streamline the work of an administrator.
• Advanced features Advanced features of the Administrator program, such as remote administration, are available to all applications.
• Replication The Microsoft Exchange Server directory is replicated across an entire organization. Storing objects in the directory leverages this automatic replication mechanism.
• User interface The Administrator program provides a user interface, so you don't need to write one for your server application. Using this user interface eliminates the need for users and administrators to learn an additional user interface.