groupware and communications

As a web developer, I recently needed a good reference on programming for Exchange that went beyond the information I could dig up on Microsoft's various web sites, and as the local bookstore had this one in stock, I decided to give it a try.

The book does contain a reasonable overview of the technologies used when programming for Exchange 2000 (and subsequently 2003), including CDOEX / EXM / WF, WebDAV, ActiveDirectory, and such; however, most of the chapters tend to be about a third as long as I'd expect and give only cursory examples and often only the names of methods and properties used without any real descriptions.

Overall, although the book did give me a good introduction to technologies that have changed significantly over the past few years--CDO 1.2 and CDONTS users will find CDOEX and WebDAV, etc. rather confusing at first rather than familiar--I found that I had to resort back to MSDN and other online sources for most of the real information I needed. With that said, I don't feel the book's cost is justified; I'd prefer a true reference rather than a simple overview.

Outstanding coverage of all aspects of Exchange Server 2000. I bought the book because I needed to know not only how to program with Web Storage System (WSS) forms, but also Active Directory. This book covered both without the need to buy two books. It covers virtually everything having to do with programming on Exchange Server 2000 with great examples. The author clearly demonstrated that he knows the topic inside and out. I highly recommend buying this book!