Outlook Automation from a web application to create appointments

Question

Is it a standard practice to automate outlook from a web application using ActiveX technology? How does this compare with a web scheduler like telerik's RadScheduler + telerik's Exchange Provider to schedule an appointment from the web application itself?

Thanks,
Sendhil

Answer 1

There are ways that you can automate MS office from an asp.net application but such you do so at your own risk. If I remember correctly, you will more than likely need to use impersonation in order for dcom to function correctly and in doing so you will possibly leave a large security hole in your web application.

I would suggest using Open Office XML as MS does not recommend nor support automating Office from within a web application.