Re: defining an LDAP schema for address books and PIMs

[Edward Buck <edwardbuck@netscape.net>]

michael@stroeder.com wrote:
> Jochen Laser wrote:
>
> >  I totally agree with Dieter in that there is need for better 
> >  standardization here. You have hit on an important issue.
> >  You should consider taking over this discussion to the general  LDAP 
> > List, ldap@umich.edu.
>
>
> +1
>
> But I'd recommend to post schema proposals as personal I-D on the 
> ietf-ldapext list. Although this WG has be closed this mailing is still 
> the most appropriate forum. I'd be willing to co-author such a draft.
>
> I consider all the mozillaPerson, evolutionPerson, <whatever app>Person 
> schema to be just quick hacks. People who defined these schema 
> definitions don't bother with researching existing person schema 
> definitions which leads to conflicting use of e.g. attribute type names. 
> Unfortunately most of the "schema designers" are somewhat resistent to 
> learn about LDAP *before* defining such a schema. And afterwards they 
> refuse to fix flaws in favour of being backward-compatible to their own 
> mess. (Edward seems to be a notable exception.)
>
> Ciao, Michael.

I'm really pleased to hear that there's interest in this working group. 
 LDAP is becoming the platform of choice for implementing address book 
functionality in a variety of groupware solutions.  I think this 
initiative should help LDAP become even more useful than it already is. 
 Imagine the glee of an admin who implements a groupware solution and 
discovers that ALL the attributes "just work" despite the fact that the 
client and server came from two separate projects!

I'm currently working through the logistics of setting up this working 
group.  If anyone has thoughts on how best to do this, I would love to 
hear them.  There's already quite a few people interested in 
participating from a number of different projects/communities.

I think the first step is to create a mailing list and get the right 
people talking.  If you're interested in participating, please send me 
an e-mail and I'll add you to the list (edwardbuck at netscape dot net). 
 Anyone with experience writing ldap schemas or with good knowledge of 
current schemas (inetorgperson, core, etc) is encouraged to participate. 
 If we want, we can setup a mailing list at openoffice.org for this 
purpose.  Or, if people prefer a more neutral gathering place, I'm sure 
I can hobble something together.

Regards,
Edward