NOTES channels are used to provide a connection between PMDF and the VAX NOTES utility. VAX NOTES is a proprietary product of Compaq Computer Corporation; it is not a part of PMDF. This connection currently only works in one direction: mail messages will be registered as notes in VAX NOTES but VAX NOTES messages are not exported back out to PMDF.

NOTES channels try to convert mail messages into a format that is as close to a true NOTES posting as possible. In particular, options are provided to remove header information from messages or place it at the end of the posting. The NOTES channel program also attempts to group messages about a common subject into what VAX NOTES expects to see: a single original note with followup notes attached.