Kolab Format Intro

From Kolab wiki

The Kolab format defines a set of features that a Kolab client has to support in order to be a full Kolab-compatible client.

Rationale

The Kolab XML format has been developed as a guideline for storing groupware data in a compatible form between many different clients. It is far less complex than the well known vCard or iCal standards which is one reason for creating something new rather than relying on an already existing format. In addition the features defined within the Kolab XML format are easy to implement in most clients and still allow for client specific extensions. The specification allows clients to agree on a core set of data elements while still retaining the possibility to keep additional client-specific knowledge in the stored groupware objects. This would be significantly harder in most other formats.

Contents

The Kolab Format primarily specifies the XML format and how clients should read/write the XML attachments. In addition some IMAP specific client features and special capabilities required by the clients are explained.

The current Kolab format specification defines version 2 of the format.

Development

The Kolab format is not absolutely fixed but is being actively developed by the Kolab Konsortium. Currently suggested modifications are listed on the Kolab Format Development page.