Forum Discussion
Looking for MS cloud solution - replace Outlook Desktop as email aggregator and storage
I use Outlook Desktop as email aggregator and storage for email from Gmail, O365, other SMTP servers. I get email using POP, and then manually triage each mailbox, saving emails into Outlook specific folders. Some of this could be rules-based but for now it is manual, and I don't mind it continuing this way.
I would like to move this into the cloud. So I am imaging a virtual cloud Outlook Desktop that can connect to any SMTP server, get email into folders, and then I can manually perform email triage as described.
Some notes:
- I have Office365 Microsoft 365 Business Standard.
- I have Outlook.com account.
- I'd be happy to use Azure as part of solution.
- I am technically capable, can develop, code, etc.
I am looking for help to get ideas for Microsoft solutions. I feel like Exchange can probably help. Thanks!
2 Replies
Hi CP365,
regarding with your requirements, here are several Microsoft solutions that could assist you in transitioning your Outlook Desktop to the cloud:
Sync Your Outlook Account to the Microsoft Cloud:
This feature enables the synchronization of non-Microsoft accounts, including emails, contacts, and events, to the Microsoft Cloud. It is applicable for Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, and IMAP accounts in Outlook for iOS, Outlook for Android, and the new Outlook for Mac.
Sync your account in Outlook to the Microsoft Cloud - Microsoft SupportUtilize Azure Storage:
Azure Storage provides highly available, massively scalable, and secure storage for various data objects in the cloud. Azure Blob Storage, specifically, is optimized for storing extensive amounts of unstructured data, such as text or binary data.
Introduction to Azure Storage - Cloud storage on Azure | Microsoft LearnUse Exchange Online:
Exchange Online, available as a standalone solution or with a Microsoft 365 subscription, is a hosted service.
Exchange Server storage configuration options | Microsoft Learn
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Kindest regards,
Leon Pavesic
(LinkedIn)- Thanks for reply Leon.
1. Sync Your Outlook Account to the Microsoft Cloud
I think this might be easiest though not most ideal option. Ideally I can use my Microsoft 365 Business Standard account Outlook as the primary storage account.
However, while Microsoft 365 subscribers can add Gmail and any SMTP/POP/IMAP account as an additional mailbox, this feature is not supported if you sign in with a work/school account eg Business Standard. Only Microsoft 365 Basic, Personal & Family subscribers can add an additional account to their mailbox. Not sure why Microsoft has this limitation on Microsoft 365 Business Standard account?
2. Utilize Azure Storage
This would be storing documents not email in an online email client type manner. Emails can be saved as documents indeed and probably can develop a way to read them as documents saved in Azure storage but this would be an extreme solution. If someone has created a solution around this would be very helpful to learn about it. Haven't seen one in my searches yet.
3. Use Exchange Online
As mentioned I am feel like Use Exchange Online should provide a solution. Haven't seen anything that allows me to do POP to multiple different email provides and save emails in folders so I can do manual triage. If someone has created a solution around this would be very helpful to learn about it!
