Single mailbox, muliple users - individual read notification?

[dellboy]

I don't think this is possible but if I knew that I wouldn't be here. The scenario is as follows:

A client has a single generic mailbox sales@xyz.com with 3 users all having equal rights and access to the mailbox. The users want to be able to view the message on their PC and the message only change from 'unread' to 'read' on their PC, therefore the other users will still see the mail as unread in the mailbox on their own PC. Now unless I am stupid this is impossible. The mailbox is stored centrally on the Exchange server and therefore any changes will replicate to the other users attaching to the mailbox. If anyone reads the e-mail then it will show as read on all the machines.
I am 99.9% sure there is nothing that i can do to change this, the request was for the mail to show blue on one users PC when read, green on another and yellow on another etc.

I am 99.9% sure this is not possible as the mailbox is simply stored centrally, but if anyone has any ideas I would be greatful.

Cheers

 

[Marcs41]

You can add another 00.1 % to your concern.
And there is a good reason for it too. If the read-status would not change, multiple people could reply with different answers and that could be bad for business.

You could 'maybe' work your way around it by using your server as a POP3 and 'leave copy on server' set on all 3 PCs, but you will need to clear out that mailbox from time to time then.

As it is now, indeed impossible.

However!
Other alternative, a bit more complicated, but it works.

You could give those users another INDIVIDUAL address, add them to a group, and forward all mail to sale@xyz.com to that group as an alternative recipient.
That way, all 3 members receive THEIR copy of the e-mail, and it will be Un-read for all and stay that way until read.
Replying is trickier and requires rights to the sales mailbox because they may need to reply As sales@xyz.com, but that is easily fixed, it just needs some discipline from the user(s).

Marc
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