Outlook 2007 Adds Internet Hooks

Office 2007 includes a new version of the Outlook e-mail client and personal information manager (PIM). Although customers will need new versions of Exchange Server and the SharePoint products to access many capabilities of Outlook, some new Outlook features, such as support for Internet calendar and “blog” access, will benefit all users. However, since Outlook 2007’s UI mixes elements of Outlook 2003 with new UI elements of Office 2007, the transition may be confusing to some.

This chapter covers only the features of Outlook 2007 that are not dependent on Microsoft server products. Future Directions reports will cover Outlook 2007’s integration with Exchange and SharePoint.

Hybrid User Interface

Office 2007’s most obvious change is the new UI used by Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Unlike the fixed menu structure of all previous versions of Office, the commands visible in the new UI shift dynamically based on what the user is doing. Instead of menus, toolbars, and task panes, the new UI features a “ribbon” that shows command icons relevant to the user’s current activity. In addition, “galleries” show commands with common options, enabling users to quickly find the most relevant options and get a quick preview of the effect each option will have.