send an email via MS-Access 2003

Ok so here is my current task.

I want to let the MS-Access DB email a user when an update is done to a record. Basically, when HR updates or adds a record, IT needs to get heads up in the form of an email to a specific person.

I have accomplished this with a VBA that binds to the shell and then does a objShell.Run command for the small DOS bases “sendsmtp.exe” app.

What I’m trying to find out is if Access has any similar interface that allows you to directly send mail to a SMTP server, rather then have to use the above app.