The features provided by Simple MAPI and CMC are nearly identical, but CMC is slightly more compact, combining multiple features in a single function. Both interfaces provide a straightforward function call interface that enables users to create, send, receive, reply to, forward, and edit messages.
The following table lists all the functions in the CMC and Simple MAPI APIs together with the features they provide.
| Purpose | Simple MAPI function | CMC function |
|---|---|---|
| Establish a session | MAPILogon | cmc_logon |
| Terminate a session | MAPILogoff | cmc_logoff |
| Free memory | MAPIFreeBuffer | cmc_free |
| Send a message with or without a user interface | MAPISendMail | cmc_send |
| Send a message with a user interface | MAPISendDocuments | cmc_send_documents |
| Find messages that match a set of search criteria | MAPIFindNext | cmc_list |
| Save a message | MAPISaveMail | cmc_act_on |
| Delete a message | MAPIDeleteMail | cmc_act_on |
| Assign recipients to a message | MAPIAddress | cmc_look_up |
| Show recipient details | MAPIDetails | cmc_look_up |
| Resolve ambiguous names in recipient list | MAPIResolveName | cmc_look_up |
| Retrieve configuration data | - | cmc_query_configuration |
The main difference between the two APIs is that CMC is designed to be independent of the operating system. CMC was developed in conjunction with the X.400 Application Programming Interface Association (XAPIA) standards organization and electronic mail vendors and users. Because CMC runs on Windows, MS-DOS, and UNIX systems, it is a good choice for client applications that need to use multiple messaging systems on multiple platforms. Because Simple MAPI runs on Windows-based platforms only, it is a good choice for single platform Windows-based client applications that require a feature CMC lacks or that need to be compatible with an existing Simple MAPI application.