RFC 2971 (rfc2971) - Page 1 of 8
IMAP4 ID extension
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group T. Showalter
Request for Comments: 2971 Mirapoint, Inc.
Category: Standards Track October 2000
IMAP4 ID extension
Status of this Memo
This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2000). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
The ID extension to the Internet Message Access Protocol - Version
4rev1 (IMAP4rev1) protocol allows the server and client to exchange
identification information on their implementation in order to make
bug reports and usage statistics more complete.
1. Introduction
The IMAP4rev1 protocol described in [IMAP4rev1] provides a method for
accessing remote mail stores, but it provides no facility to
advertise what program a client or server uses to provide service.
This makes it difficult for implementors to get complete bug reports
from users, as it is frequently difficult to know what client or
server is in use.
Additionally, some sites may wish to assemble usage statistics based
on what clients are used, but in an an environment where users are
permitted to obtain and maintain their own clients this is difficult
to accomplish.
The ID command provides a facility to advertise information on what
programs are being used along with contact information (should bugs
ever occur).
Showalter Standards Track