Server-side vs. client-only rules

Rules are either server-side or client-only based on the conditions and actions you apply to them.

Server-side rules    use conditions and actions handled by the Exchange server, and these rules run whether or not you log in to Outlook on your computer. Here's an example of a server-side rule:

From <people or distribution list in the GAL or your contacts list>, move it to the <specified> folder

This rule uses all Exchange server information, like moving a message from a sender who's in the Global Address List (GAL) to a specific folder that's in your Exchange mailbox. But if the folder you're moving the message to exists on your PC only, it becomes a client-only rule.

Client-only rules    have at least one condition or action that uses an Outlook feature, and they don't run until you log into Outlook with the account that you used to create the rule. For example, this is a client-only rule:

From <people or distribution list>, flag message to <play a sound>

In this example, you ask the rule to play a sound when you receive a message, and this condition can be performed only by Outlook, which makes it a client-only rule.

Examples of common conditions specified in a rule that make it a client-only rule:

• With specific words in the subject

• Marked as importance

• Marked as sensitivity

• Flagged for action

• With specific words in the body

• With specific words in the message header

• With specific words in the recipient's address

• With specific words in the sender's address

• Assigned to category

Examples of common actions specified in a rule that make it a client-only rule:

• Assign it to the category

• Permanently delete it

• Flag message for follow up at this time

• Clear the Message Flag

• Print it

• Play a sound

• Mark it as read

• Display a specific message in the New Items Alert window

• Display a Desktop Alert

Top of Page