In the process of implementing a desktop faxing solution (Esker Fax
specifically) for current production environment. Esker Fax has a
customized form which allows direct interface with the server through
Outlook clients as one of their solutions. The form has the ability to
address a fax directly to "Contact" objects with a "Business Fax" value entered,
which works similar to the standard Outlook form to create an email.
There are also seperate solutions to include entering specific syntax into the
"To" field (eg. (faxnumber)@fax.server.com) of the
standard Outlook email form. Another is rolling out
a customized Esker Fax client (via GPO) to the client PC's which
installs a printer object that converts any document into many different faxable
formats and uses either the standard Outlook form or the customized Esker
form. Currently we are looking to use a combined solution to include multiple
different methods for interface with the faxing server for ease of use. Of
course however, we are evaluating what would be the easiest/best way to
implement with minimal user interaction required.
Problem/Question:
The solution that
stumps me is creating some form of "Universal Contact" medium to be used from
within Outlook for the client PC's. The Esker Fax client does offer it's
own Address Book to be used, but it does not integrate well with Outlook clients
and is not geared for what I am trying to accomplish.
My idea's so far
are:
1.
A. Create a public folder to store contact objects and
assign Author permissions to managers/supervisors
B. Develop an automated solution to
add the folder to the workstations Address Book list if
possible.
2.
A. Create a public folder to store contact
objects and assign Author permissions to
managers/supervisors
B. Configure a GAL query to query the
public folder and populate with contacts containing a "Business Fax" object
class if possible (too much overhead?)
If anyone else has
any input and/or constructive criticisms i'm all ears
:-)
Thanks!
