Message Types

· Message types are arranged hierarchically

o All subtypes inherit the field names and property values of its parent.

o Subtypes may add in new fields and may override property values.

o Benefits:

§ Eliminates the need to re-enter the same information for similar templates

§ Creates a logical organization of templates, which makes it easier for the senders to find the correct template

· The users select the template they choose to use using the message type browser

· An editor for creating and modifying the template definitions is provided

o Certain templates can only be edited by a specific person

o Others may be edited by anyone

· Group use of message type

o “Internal codes” are an important productive assents of an organization.

o The rules that are used in automatic filtering take advantage of the common lingo in a company to sort messages properly and effectively

o “In effect, the Lens system provides a medium in which this collective language of an organization can be defined and redefined”

o Therefore, the individuals using the system first will have an advantage, as they will have the first opportunity define new jargon for the group