Using IMAP4 and SMTP protocols, the Connector for Outlook communicates with the Oracle Email server(s), which handles incoming/utgoing e-mail messages, voicemail messages and faxes. It also connects with the Calendar Server using the Oracle Calendar API for meetings, events, tasks, contacts, notes and journals. Because it maintains a persistent connection with the server, changes to a users schedule are immediately reflected on the desktop. The user can also synchronize their offline store with the information on both the calendar and email servers in the event that they need access to their information while not on the network.

Oracle Connector for Outlook can coexist freely with a number of other service providers that interact with Outlook through MAPI, such as the Personal Folders, Personal Address Book and virus protection software. In essence, users maintain the features available in Outlook, such as Journals, Tasks, Notes, Contacts and access to online collaboration tools (Web Conferencing), with one major advantage; real-time calendaring. Because Outlook no longer relies on Microsoft Exchange for calendaring, it is no longer subject to the deficiencies of a message-based solution. Users now have instant access to relevant information, bringing more power to features such as auto-pick, checking availability and attendance status and PDA/mobile device synchronization using supported Outlook synchronization tools.