MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) is a messaging architecture used by Microsoft Office Outlook and Microsoft Exchange Server. MAPI manages folders and mailboxes in the following ways:
1. Folder hierarchy: MAPI provides a hierarchical structure for organizing folders within a mailbox. The mailbox owner can create, move, rename, or delete folders, and assign permissions to specific users or groups to access these folders.
1. Message storage: MAPI uses the Personal Folders File (PST) and Offline Folder File (OST) formats for storing messages and other data items. These files can be stored locally on the user’s computer or on a server, depending on the configuration.
1. Message processing: Messages and other data items are processed by MAPI APIs, which provide methods for creating, sending, receiving, or deleting messages. MAPI manages message tracking, delivery receipts, and read receipts.
1. Search and retrieval: MAPI provides a rich set of search and retrieval methods for searching messages and other data items within a mailbox or across multiple mailboxes.
Overall, MAPI provides a robust messaging infrastructure for managing folders and mailboxes in Outlook and Exchange Server, enabling users to efficiently organize, access, and process their messages and other data items.
