There are two broad categories of conversions in PMDF, controlled by two corresponding mapping tables¹ and the PMDF conversions file.
The first category is that of character set, formatting, and labelling conversions performed internally by PMDF. The application of such conversions is controlled by the CHARSET-CONVERSION mapping table. CHARSET-CONVERSIONS are discussed in Section 6.1 .
The second category is that of conversions of message attachments using external, third-party programs and site-supplied procedures, such as document convertors. The application of such conversions is controlled by the CONVERSIONS mapping table, and messages requiring such conversions are thereby routed through the PMDF conversion channel; the conversion channel executes the site-specified external conversion procedure. The conversion channel and its execution of external conversion procedures are discussed in Section 6.2 .
The PMDF conversions file, discussed in Section 6.2.3 , is used to specify the details of external CONVERSION table triggered conversions and to specify the details of some internal CHARSET-CONVERSION table triggered conversions.