Comparison of Email Group Options
- Eric Eason
The SeattleU email service offers three options for group email addresses. Each option offers different benefits and features, so if you are needing a group email address, use the following summaries to determine which is best for your use case. A Microsoft 365 group is the preferred option if it meets the usage need.
Distribution List
There is no group mailbox.
Messages sent to the group address are delivered directly to each group member’s inbox.
Adding and removing group members requires submitting an ITS ticket, which are handled by automation within an hour in most cases.
Creating a distribution list requires submitting an ITS ticket.
Microsoft 365 Group
A group inbox is accessible by all members through Outlook. This inbox does not allow folders, so no manual organization of it is possible.
Messages can optionally be delivered to member’s inboxes. The default setting for this option is set by the group owner, and members can turn this feature on and off individually.
A group calendar is created automatically.
Adding and removing group members can be done by the owner directly in Outlook.
Microsoft 365 groups can be created in Outlook by anyone. User-created groups receive a email address @redhawks.onmicrosoft.com. ITS can add an @seattleu.edu address if the address needs to be shared.
Teams and SharePoint can be added to the group for additional collaboration methods.
Shared Mailbox
A group mailbox is accessible by all members through Outlook. This mailbox does allow creating folders, allowing messages to be organized as desired.
Messages are not delivered to member’s inboxes. Members must navigate to the shared mailbox in the Outlook folder list (desktop) or switch to the shared mailbox (web and mobile).
A group calendar is created automatically, and additional calendars can be created in one shared mailbox.
Adding and removing group members requires submitting an ITS ticket, and requests are handled manually by the service desk.
Creating a shared mailbox requires submitting an ITS ticket.
Need additional help? Submit a ticket with the Service Desk here: IT Service Desk Help Center
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