EmailPointer is a custom solution for the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook that allows users to access their files from various locations such as Shared Drive, SharePoint, Teams, and Documentum. This add-in is developed using Visual Studio Tools for Office (VSTO), a set of tools and libraries that enables developers to create custom solutions for the desktop version of Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications using the Visual Studio development environment.

One of the main benefits of using the desktop version of Outlook is the ability to use custom solutions like EmailPointer, which goes beyond the capabilities of the web version of Outlook. The desktop version of Outlook allows for a higher level of integration with the operating system and other applications, enabling EmailPointer to access the user’s local file system, communicate with other applications on the user’s computer, and interact with hardware devices.

Another advantage of using the desktop version of Outlook is the ability to create solutions that are more tightly integrated with the Outlook user interface. With VSTO, EmailPointer can be seamlessly integrated into the desktop version of Outlook, providing a more seamless user experience through custom ribbon tabs, form regions, and task panes.

Overall, the use of VSTO for the desktop version of Outlook allows for the development of custom solutions like EmailPointer that require advanced functionality and integration with the Outlook user interface. While the web version of Outlook may be sufficient for many users, the desktop version provides organizations with the ability to extend the capabilities of Outlook to meet their specific needs, including the use of custom solutions like EmailPointer.