Add2Outlook (A2O) was originally developed for Outlook 2000 and that latest version (2.6x) is no longer conforms to the Microsoft Security Model.  The new release (4x) has been updated for Outlook 2003 and 2007 and 2010 and with the current release also works with Exchange 2003, 2007 and 2010. 

A potential user should  QUALIFY to use this product.  The only two reasons to use Add2Outlook are if the user has a HOSTED EXCHANGE SERVER or is replicating to a PST file. 

Add2Outlook is a 2-way Outlook calendar, contact, & task synchronizer for desktops, and fits a need where Add2Exchange does not fit for consistent replication.  If you host your own Exchange, or are moving to hosted Exchange, or want to replicate between a local PST to PST or PST to Exchange, use Add2Outlook,

Which solution is right for you Add2Outlook or Add2Exchange?

The following are key points to consider when determining whether to try Add2Outlook:  Add2Outlook requires some changes to the default operation of Outlook which are listed below.

·         Add2Outlook cannot sync automatically when Outlook is in Cached Mode. This is a significant drawback that disables your onboard Outlook spam filter mechanism.  Add2Exchange, the server based product does not require any change on the Outlook workstation.

·         Add2Outlook no longer requires a third party piece of software to be installed to circumvent the normal Outlook built in security model in Outlook 2007.

·         With Add2Outlook, the Exchange account no longer has to be the default account for internet email,  Add2Outlook does not work with Outlook Web Access and Add2Exchange does.

·         With Add2Outlook, the Outlook profile must be open and connected on the workstation for replication/synchronization to occur. Add2Exchange operates as a Windows service on the Exchange Server or a File Server (or dedicated workstation running Exchange System Manager. For synchronizing folders when out of the office, Add2Exchange replicates/synchronizes folders with or without Outlook open. When synchronizing folders when out of the office, Add2Exchange continues to replicate and synchronize on a timed schedule with or without Outlook open. 

·         With Add2Outlook, the replication process occurs on the workstation and adds “traffic” to your network switch and may result in slightly slower replication and response times.  Add2Exchange does not cause lags in Outlook.   

·         Add2Exchange offers unlimited folder relationships while Add2Outlook offers only a maximum of 50 folder relationships.

·         Add2Exchange requires one install on the Exchange server (or file server) regardless of number of relationships. Add2Outlook requires install and licensing on each user’s workstation and has a greater potential for conflicts with other programs..

·         Add2Exchange offers centralized folder relationship management while Add2Outlook is decentralized. If the workstation(s) crash or gets stolen, without a copy of the workstation’s registry, the relationship information can be lost and it may cause duplicates if the relationship is recreated later. A backup of the registry on the installed computer is helpful, but not required.  A Special tool can assist in this Disaster Recovery mode for only $99 additional.

·         Add2Exchange offers the option for public to public and private to private folder replication and Add2Outlook does not.

·         Add2Outlook works with PST and Offline Folders while Add2Exchange does not.

·         Add2Outlook works with Hosted Exchange Servers and Add2Exchange can if the hosting provider will cooperate.

·         Add2Exchange works with all versions of Blackberry, Goodlink and all Outlook-based mobile devices. Add2Outlook works with all Outlook-based mobile devices.  

Add2Outlook offers:

• 2-way replication of new appointments and/or contact entries 
• 4-way synchronization of edits

Number of Folder Relationships: 

• 2 Folder  Relationships
• One to One (tied)

Type of Outlook Calendar, Contact & Task Replication/Synchronization:

• Private to Public, or
• Public to Private, or
• Pst to Public, or
• Pst to Private, or
• Public to Pst, or
• Private to Pst, or
• Pst to Pst (same folder), or
• OST (Offline Folder) Aware

Other Highlights:

• Works with most Outlook-based mobile devices (PDAs, Pocket PCs, BlackBerry handhelds, Treo Smartphones)
• Works with Microsoft Outlook 2000 to 2003 & Exchange 5.5 to 2003.
• Works with any language of Microsoft Windows (English, Spanish, German, French, etc.)
• Installs on workstation not the server.
• No training needed. Uses Outlook's standard calendar appointment, standard contact folder, standard task folder and all synchronization is fully automatic and invisible to the user.
• Add2Outlook is licensed separately for Add2Outlook for Calendars, Add2Outlook for Contacts, Add2Outlook for Tasks

Add2Outlook does NOT:

• Synchronize unless your workstation is on and Outlook is open.
• Allow the creation of more than 2 calendar and/or contact folder relationships.
• Allow replication between public folders (public to public) or between private folders (private to private)

NOTE: If you need the above functionality, please see Add2Exchange Standard or Add2Exchange Enterprise Editions.