What is a Resource Mailbox?

In this video we will define what a resource mailbox in Exchange 2007 is and how to use it.

When creating a new mailbox, one option would be the creation of Resource Mailboxes.  Resource mailboxes are not used for the sending or receiving of emails, but are designed instead for use in the scheduling of resources such as rooms and equipment.  Rooms in this context typically include conference rooms, auditoriums and training rooms.  For example, the feature can be used to determine whether a conference room is available, and if necessary, schedule an appointment to use it at another time – this is possible because the conference room is a mailbox.

Where equipment is concerned, this may include projectors, laptops and company cars.  Indeed, any equipment that needs to be scheduled can be created as a mailbox, with someone assigned to control and organize the schedule for these resources.  Of course, it is not compulsory to use the Exchange 2007 resource mailboxes in this manner, though it is nice to know that automated features exist within Exchange to help manage them where necessary.