7Network Working Group F. Dawson
8Request for Comments: 2426 Lotus Development Corporation
9Category: Standards Track T. Howes
10 Netscape Communications
14 vCard MIME Directory Profile
18 This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
19 Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
20 improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
21 Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
22 and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
26 Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1998). All Rights Reserved.
30 This memo defines the profile of the MIME Content-Type [MIME-DIR] for
31 directory information for a white-pages person object, based on a
32 vCard electronic business card. The profile definition is independent
33 of any particular directory service or protocol. The profile is
34 defined for representing and exchanging a variety of information
35 about an individual (e.g., formatted and structured name and delivery
36 addresses, email address, multiple telephone numbers, photograph,
37 logo, audio clips, etc.). The directory information used by this
38 profile is based on the attributes for the person object defined in
39 the X.520 and X.521 directory services recommendations. The profile
40 also provides the method for including a [VCARD] representation of a
41 white-pages directory entry within the MIME Content-Type defined by
42 the [MIME-DIR] document.
44 The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
45 "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY" and "OPTIONAL" in this
46 document are to be interpreted as described in [RFC 2119].
58Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 1]
60RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
65 Overview.........................................................3
66 1. THE VCARD MIME DIRECTORY PROFILE REGISTRATION.................4
67 2. MIME DIRECTORY FEATURES.......................................5
68 2.1 PREDEFINED TYPE USAGE ......................................5
69 2.1.1 BEGIN and END Type ......................................5
70 2.1.2 NAME Type ...............................................5
71 2.1.3 PROFILE Type ............................................5
72 2.1.4 SOURCE Type .............................................5
73 2.2 PREDEFINED TYPE PARAMETER USAGE ............................6
74 2.3 PREDEFINED VALUE TYPE USAGE ................................6
75 2.4 EXTENSIONS TO THE PREDEFINED VALUE TYPES ...................6
76 2.4.1 BINARY ..................................................6
77 2.4.2 VCARD ...................................................6
78 2.4.3 PHONE-NUMBER ............................................7
79 2.4.4 UTC-OFFSET ..............................................7
80 2.5 STRUCTURED TYPE VALUES .....................................7
81 2.6 LINE DELIMITING AND FOLDING ................................8
82 3. VCARD PROFILE FEATURES........................................8
83 3.1 IDENTIFICATION TYPES .......................................8
84 3.1.1 FN Type Definition ......................................8
85 3.1.2 N Type Definition .......................................9
86 3.1.3 NICKNAME Type Definition ................................9
87 3.1.4 PHOTO Type Definition ..................................10
88 3.1.5 BDAY Type Definition ...................................11
89 3.2 DELIVERY ADDRESSING TYPES .................................11
90 3.2.1 ADR Type Definition ....................................11
91 3.2.2 LABEL Type Definition ..................................13
92 3.3 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADDRESSING TYPES .......................13
93 3.3.1 TEL Type Definition ....................................14
94 3.3.2 EMAIL Type Definition ..................................15
95 3.3.3 MAILER Type Definition .................................15
96 3.4 GEOGRAPHICAL TYPES ........................................16
97 3.4.1 TZ Type Definition .....................................16
98 3.4.2 GEO Type Definition ....................................16
99 3.5 ORGANIZATIONAL TYPES ......................................17
100 3.5.1 TITLE Type Definition ..................................17
101 3.5.2 ROLE Type Definition ...................................18
102 3.5.3 LOGO Type Definition ...................................18
103 3.5.4 AGENT Type Definition ..................................19
104 3.5.5 ORG Type Definition ....................................20
105 3.6 EXPLANATORY TYPES .........................................20
106 3.6.1 CATEGORIES Type Definition .............................20
107 3.6.2 NOTE Type Definition ...................................21
108 3.6.3 PRODID Type Definition .................................21
109 3.6.4 REV Type Definition ....................................22
110 3.6.5 SORT-STRING Type Definition ............................22
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116RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
119 3.6.6 SOUND Type Definition ..................................23
120 3.6.7 UID Type Definition ....................................24
121 3.6.8 URL Type Definition ....................................25
122 3.6.9 VERSION Type Definition ................................25
123 3.7 SECURITY TYPES ............................................25
124 3.7.1 CLASS Type Definition ..................................26
125 3.7.2 KEY Type Definition ....................................26
126 3.8 EXTENDED TYPES ............................................27
127 4. FORMAL GRAMMAR...............................................27
128 5. DIFFERENCES FROM VCARD V2.1..................................37
129 6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................................39
130 7. AUTHORS' ADDRESSES...........................................39
131 8. SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS......................................39
132 9. REFERENCES...................................................40
133 10. FULL COPYRIGHT STATEMENT....................................42
137 The [MIME-DIR] document defines a MIME Content-Type for holding
138 different kinds of directory information. The directory information
139 can be based on any of a number of directory schemas. This document
140 defines a [MIME-DIR] usage profile for conveying directory
141 information based on one such schema; that of the white-pages type of
144 The schema is based on the attributes for the person object defined
145 in the X.520 and X.521 directory services recommendations. The schema
146 has augmented the basic attributes defined in the X.500 series
147 recommendation in order to provide for an electronic representation
148 of the information commonly found on a paper business card. This
149 schema was first defined in the [VCARD] document. Hence, this [MIME-
150 DIR] profile is referred to as the vCard MIME Directory Profile.
152 A directory entry based on this usage profile can include traditional
153 directory, white-pages information such as the distinguished name
154 used to uniquely identify the entry, a formatted representation of
155 the name used for user-interface or presentation purposes, both the
156 structured and presentation form of the delivery address, various
157 telephone numbers and organizational information associated with the
158 entry. In addition, traditional paper business card information such
159 as an image of an organizational logo or identify photograph can be
160 included in this person object.
162 The vCard MIME Directory Profile also provides support for
163 representing other important information about the person associated
164 with the directory entry. For instance, the date of birth of the
165 person; an audio clip describing the pronunciation of the name
166 associated with the directory entry, or some other application of the
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172RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
175 digital sound; longitude and latitude geo-positioning information
176 related to the person associated with the directory entry; date and
177 time that the directory information was last updated; annotations
178 often written on a business card; Uniform Resource Locators (URL) for
179 a website; public key information. The profile also provides support
180 for non-standard extensions to the schema. This provides the
181 flexibility for implementations to augment the current capabilities
182 of the profile in a standardized way. More information about this
183 electronic business card format can be found in [VCARD].
1851. The vCard Mime Directory Profile Registration
187 This profile is identified by the following [MIME-DIR] registration
188 template information. Subsequent sections define the profile
191 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
193 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME profile VCARD
197 Profile purpose: To hold person object or white-pages type of
198 directory information. The person schema captured in the directory
199 entries is that commonly found in an electronic business card.
201 Predefined MIME Directory value specifications used: uri, date,
204 New value specifications: This profile places further constraints on
205 the [MIME-DIR] text value specification. In addition, it adds a
206 binary, phone-number, utc-offset and vcard value specifications.
208 Predefined MIME Directory types used: SOURCE, NAME, PROFILE, BEGIN,
211 Predefined MIME Directory parameters used: ENCODING, VALUE, CHARSET,
214 New types: FN, N, NICKNAME, PHOTO, BDAY, ADR, LABEL, TEL, EMAIL,
215 MAILER, TZ, GEO, TITLE, ROLE, LOGO, AGENT, ORG, CATEGORIES, NOTE,
216 PRODID, REV, SORT-STRING, SOUND, URL, UID, VERSION, CLASS, KEY
220 Profile special notes: The vCard object MUST contain the FN, N and
221 VERSION types. The type-grouping feature of [MIME-DIR] is supported
222 by this profile to group related vCard properties about a directory
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228RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
231 entry. For example, vCard properties describing WORK or HOME related
232 characteristics can be grouped with a unique group label.
234 The profile permits the use of non-standard types (i.e., those
235 identified with the prefix string "X-") as a flexible method for
236 implementations to extend the functionality currently defined within
2392. MIME Directory Features
241 The vCard MIME Directory Profile makes use of many of the features
242 defined by [MIME-DIR]. The following sections either clarify or
243 extend the content-type definition of [MIME-DIR].
2452.1 Predefined Type Usage
247 The vCard MIME Directory Profile uses the following predefined types
2502.1.1 BEGIN and END Type
252 The content entity MUST begin with the BEGIN type with a value of
253 "VCARD". The content entity MUST end with the END type with a value
258 If the NAME type is present, then its value is the displayable,
259 presentation text associated with the source for the vCard, as
260 specified in the SOURCE type.
264 If the PROFILE type is present, then its value MUST be "VCARD".
268 If the SOURCE type is present, then its value provides information
269 how to find the source for the vCard.
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284RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
2872.2 Predefined Type Parameter Usage
289 The vCard MIME Directory Profile uses the following predefined type
290 parameters as defined by [MIME-DIR].
2982.3 Predefined VALUE Type Usage
300 The predefined data type values specified in [MIME-DIR] MUST NOT be
301 repeated in COMMA separated value lists except within the N,
302 NICKNAME, ADR and CATEGORIES value types.
304 The text value type defined in [MIME-DIR] is further restricted such
305 that any SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59) in the value MUST be
306 escaped with the BACKSLASH character (ASCII decimal 92).
3082.4 Extensions To The Predefined VALUE Types
310 The predefined data type values specified in [MIME-DIR] have been
311 extended by the vCard profile to include a number of value types that
312 are specific to this profile.
316 The "binary" value type specifies that the type value is inline,
317 encoded binary data. This value type can be specified in the PHOTO,
318 LOGO, SOUND, and KEY types.
320 If inline encoded binary data is specified, the ENCODING type
321 parameter MUST be used to specify the encoding format. The binary
322 data MUST be encoded using the "B" encoding format. Long lines of
323 encoded binary data SHOULD BE folded to 75 characters using the
324 folding method defined in [MIME-DIR].
326 The value type is defined by the following notation:
328 binary = <A "B" binary encoded string as defined by [RFC 2047].>
332 The "vcard" value type specifies that the type value is another
333 vCard. This value type can be specified in the AGENT type. The value
334 type is defined by this specification. Since each of the type
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340RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
343 declarations with in the vcard value type are being specified within
344 a text value themselves, they MUST be terminated with the backslash
345 escape sequence "\n" or "\N", instead of the normal newline character
346 sequence CRLF. In addition, any COMMA character (ASCII decimal 44),
347 SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59) and COLON character (ASCII
348 decimal 58) MUST be escaped with the BACKSLASH character (ASCII
349 decimal 92). For example, with the AGENT type a value would be
352 AGENT:BEGIN:VCARD\nFN:Joe Friday\nTEL:+1-919-555-7878\n
353 TITLE:Area Administrator\, Assistant\n EMAIL\;TYPE=INTERN\n
354 ET:jfriday@host.com\nEND:VCARD\n
358 The "phone-number" value type specifies that the type value is a
359 telephone number. This value type can be specified in the TEL type.
360 The value type is a text value that has the special semantics of a
361 telephone number as defined in [CCITT E.163] and [CCITT X.121].
365 The "utc-offset" value type specifies that the type value is a signed
366 offset from UTC. This value type can be specified in the TZ type.
368 The value type is an offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). It
369 is specified as a positive or negative difference in units of hours
370 and minutes (e.g., +hh:mm). The time is specified as a 24-hour clock.
371 Hour values are from 00 to 23, and minute values are from 00 to 59.
372 Hour and minutes are 2-digits with high order zeroes required to
373 maintain digit count. The extended format for ISO 8601 UTC offsets
374 MUST be used. The extended format makes use of a colon character as a
375 separator of the hour and minute text fields.
377 The value is defined by the following notation:
379 time-hour = 2DIGIT ;00-23
380 time-minute = 2DIGIT ;00-59
381 utc-offset = ("+" / "-") time-hour ":" time-minute
3832.5 Structured Type Values
385 Compound type values are delimited by a field delimiter, specified by
386 the SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59). A SEMI-COLON in a
387 component of a compound property value MUST be escaped with a
388 BACKSLASH character (ASCII decimal 92).
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396RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
399 Lists of values are delimited by a list delimiter, specified by the
400 COMMA character (ASCII decimal 44). A COMMA character in a value MUST
401 be escaped with a BACKSLASH character (ASCII decimal 92).
403 This profile supports the type grouping mechanism defined in [MIME-
404 DIR]. Grouping of related types is a useful technique to communicate
405 common semantics concerning the properties of a vCard.
4072.6 Line Delimiting and Folding
409 This profile supports the same line delimiting and folding methods
410 defined in [MIME-DIR]. Specifically, when parsing a content line,
411 folded lines must first be unfolded according to the unfolding
412 procedure described in [MIME-DIR]. After generating a content line,
413 lines longer than 75 characters SHOULD be folded according to the
414 folding procedure described in [MIME DIR].
416 Folding is done after any content encoding of a type value. Unfolding
417 is done before any decoding of a type value in a content line.
4193. vCard Profile Features
421 The vCard MIME Directory Profile Type contains directory information,
422 typically pertaining to a single directory entry. The information is
423 described using an attribute schema that is tailored for capturing
424 personal contact information. The vCard can include attributes that
425 describe identification, delivery addressing, telecommunications
426 addressing, geographical, organizational, general explanatory and
427 security and access information about the particular object
428 associated with the vCard.
4303.1 Identification Types
432 These types are used in the vCard profile to capture information
433 associated with the identification and naming of the person or
434 resource associated with the vCard.
4363.1.1 FN Type Definition
438 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
440 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type FN
444 Type purpose: To specify the formatted text corresponding to the name
445 of the object the vCard represents.
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452RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
457 Type value: A single text value.
459 Type special notes: This type is based on the semantics of the X.520
460 Common Name attribute. The property MUST be present in the vCard
465 FN:Mr. John Q. Public\, Esq.
4673.1.2 N Type Definition
469 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
471 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type N
475 Type purpose: To specify the components of the name of the object the
480 Type value: A single structured text value. Each component can have
483 Type special note: The structured type value corresponds, in
484 sequence, to the Family Name, Given Name, Additional Names, Honorific
485 Prefixes, and Honorific Suffixes. The text components are separated
486 by the SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59). Individual text
487 components can include multiple text values (e.g., multiple
488 Additional Names) separated by the COMMA character (ASCII decimal
489 44). This type is based on the semantics of the X.520 individual name
490 attributes. The property MUST be present in the vCard object.
494 N:Public;John;Quinlan;Mr.;Esq.
496 N:Stevenson;John;Philip,Paul;Dr.;Jr.,M.D.,A.C.P.
4983.1.3 NICKNAME Type Definition
500 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
502 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type NICKNAME
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508RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
513 Type purpose: To specify the text corresponding to the nickname of
514 the object the vCard represents.
518 Type value: One or more text values separated by a COMMA character
521 Type special note: The nickname is the descriptive name given instead
522 of or in addition to the one belonging to a person, place, or thing.
523 It can also be used to specify a familiar form of a proper name
524 specified by the FN or N types.
5323.1.4 PHOTO Type Definition
534 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
536 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type PHOTO
540 Type purpose: To specify an image or photograph information that
541 annotates some aspect of the object the vCard represents.
543 Type encoding: The encoding MUST be reset to "b" using the ENCODING
544 parameter in order to specify inline, encoded binary data. If the
545 value is referenced by a URI value, then the default encoding of 8bit
546 is used and no explicit ENCODING parameter is needed.
548 Type value: A single value. The default is binary value. It can also
549 be reset to uri value. The uri value can be used to specify a value
550 outside of this MIME entity.
552 Type special notes: The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to
553 specify the graphic image format type. The TYPE parameter values MUST
554 be one of the IANA registered image formats or a non-standard image
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564RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
569 PHOTO;VALUE=uri:http://www.abc.com/pub/photos
573 PHOTO;ENCODING=b;TYPE=JPEG:MIICajCCAdOgAwIBAgICBEUwDQYJKoZIhvcN
574 AQEEBQAwdzELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxLDAqBgNVBAoTI05ldHNjYXBlIENvbW11bm
575 ljYXRpb25zIENvcnBvcmF0aW9uMRwwGgYDVQQLExNJbmZvcm1hdGlvbiBTeXN0
576 <...remainder of "B" encoded binary data...>
5783.1.5 BDAY Type Definition
580 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
582 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type BDAY
586 Type purpose: To specify the birth date of the object the vCard
591 Type value: The default is a single date value. It can also be reset
592 to a single date-time value.
598 BDAY:1953-10-15T23:10:00Z
600 BDAY:1987-09-27T08:30:00-06:00
6023.2 Delivery Addressing Types
604 These types are concerned with information related to the delivery
605 addressing or label for the vCard object.
6073.2.1 ADR Type Definition
609 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
611 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type ADR
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620RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
623 Type purpose: To specify the components of the delivery address for
628 Type value: A single structured text value, separated by the
629 SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59).
631 Type special notes: The structured type value consists of a sequence
632 of address components. The component values MUST be specified in
633 their corresponding position. The structured type value corresponds,
634 in sequence, to the post office box; the extended address; the street
635 address; the locality (e.g., city); the region (e.g., state or
636 province); the postal code; the country name. When a component value
637 is missing, the associated component separator MUST still be
640 The text components are separated by the SEMI-COLON character (ASCII
641 decimal 59). Where it makes semantic sense, individual text
642 components can include multiple text values (e.g., a "street"
643 component with multiple lines) separated by the COMMA character
646 The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to specify the
647 delivery address type. The TYPE parameter values can include "dom" to
648 indicate a domestic delivery address; "intl" to indicate an
649 international delivery address; "postal" to indicate a postal
650 delivery address; "parcel" to indicate a parcel delivery address;
651 "home" to indicate a delivery address for a residence; "work" to
652 indicate delivery address for a place of work; and "pref" to indicate
653 the preferred delivery address when more than one address is
654 specified. These type parameter values can be specified as a
655 parameter list (i.e., "TYPE=dom;TYPE=postal") or as a value list
656 (i.e., "TYPE=dom,postal"). This type is based on semantics of the
657 X.520 geographical and postal addressing attributes. The default is
658 "TYPE=intl,postal,parcel,work". The default can be overridden to some
659 other set of values by specifying one or more alternate values. For
660 example, the default can be reset to "TYPE=dom,postal,work,home" to
661 specify a domestic delivery address for postal delivery to a
662 residence that is also used for work.
664 Type example: In this example the post office box and the extended
667 ADR;TYPE=dom,home,postal,parcel:;;123 Main
668 Street;Any Town;CA;91921-1234
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676RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
6793.2.2 LABEL Type Definition
681 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
683 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type LABEL
687 Type purpose: To specify the formatted text corresponding to delivery
688 address of the object the vCard represents.
692 Type value: A single text value.
694 Type special notes: The type value is formatted text that can be used
695 to present a delivery address label for the vCard object. The type
696 can include the type parameter "TYPE" to specify delivery label type.
697 The TYPE parameter values can include "dom" to indicate a domestic
698 delivery label; "intl" to indicate an international delivery label;
699 "postal" to indicate a postal delivery label; "parcel" to indicate a
700 parcel delivery label; "home" to indicate a delivery label for a
701 residence; "work" to indicate delivery label for a place of work; and
702 "pref" to indicate the preferred delivery label when more than one
703 label is specified. These type parameter values can be specified as a
704 parameter list (i.e., "TYPE=dom;TYPE=postal") or as a value list
705 (i.e., "TYPE=dom,postal"). This type is based on semantics of the
706 X.520 geographical and postal addressing attributes. The default is
707 "TYPE=intl,postal,parcel,work". The default can be overridden to some
708 other set of values by specifying one or more alternate values. For
709 example, the default can be reset to "TYPE=intl,post,parcel,home" to
710 specify an international delivery label for both postal and parcel
711 delivery to a residential location.
713 Type example: A multi-line address label.
715 LABEL;TYPE=dom,home,postal,parcel:Mr.John Q. Public\, Esq.\n
716 Mail Drop: TNE QB\n123 Main Street\nAny Town\, CA 91921-1234
7193.3 Telecommunications Addressing Types
721 These types are concerned with information associated with the
722 telecommunications addressing of the object the vCard represents.
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732RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
7353.3.1 TEL Type Definition
737 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
739 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type TEL
743 Type purpose: To specify the telephone number for telephony
744 communication with the object the vCard represents.
748 Type value: A single phone-number value.
750 Type special notes: The value of this type is specified in a
751 canonical form in order to specify an unambiguous representation of
752 the globally unique telephone endpoint. This type is based on the
753 X.500 Telephone Number attribute.
755 The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to specify intended
756 use for the telephone number. The TYPE parameter values can include:
757 "home" to indicate a telephone number associated with a residence,
758 "msg" to indicate the telephone number has voice messaging support,
759 "work" to indicate a telephone number associated with a place of
760 work, "pref" to indicate a preferred-use telephone number, "voice" to
761 indicate a voice telephone number, "fax" to indicate a facsimile
762 telephone number, "cell" to indicate a cellular telephone number,
763 "video" to indicate a video conferencing telephone number, "pager" to
764 indicate a paging device telephone number, "bbs" to indicate a
765 bulletin board system telephone number, "modem" to indicate a MODEM
766 connected telephone number, "car" to indicate a car-phone telephone
767 number, "isdn" to indicate an ISDN service telephone number, "pcs" to
768 indicate a personal communication services telephone number. The
769 default type is "voice". These type parameter values can be specified
770 as a parameter list (i.e., "TYPE=work;TYPE=voice") or as a value list
771 (i.e., "TYPE=work,voice"). The default can be overridden to another
772 set of values by specifying one or more alternate values. For
773 example, the default TYPE of "voice" can be reset to a WORK and HOME,
774 VOICE and FAX telephone number by the value list
775 "TYPE=work,home,voice,fax".
779 TEL;TYPE=work,voice,pref,msg:+1-213-555-1234
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788RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
7913.3.2 EMAIL Type Definition
793 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
795 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type EMAIL
799 Type purpose: To specify the electronic mail address for
800 communication with the object the vCard represents.
804 Type value: A single text value.
806 Type special notes: The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to
807 specify the format or preference of the electronic mail address. The
808 TYPE parameter values can include: "internet" to indicate an Internet
809 addressing type, "x400" to indicate a X.400 addressing type or "pref"
810 to indicate a preferred-use email address when more than one is
811 specified. Another IANA registered address type can also be
812 specified. The default email type is "internet". A non-standard value
813 can also be specified.
817 EMAIL;TYPE=internet:jqpublic@xyz.dom1.com
819 EMAIL;TYPE=internet:jdoe@isp.net
821 EMAIL;TYPE=internet,pref:jane_doe@abc.com
8233.3.3 MAILER Type Definition
825 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
827 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type MAILER
831 Type purpose: To specify the type of electronic mail software that is
832 used by the individual associated with the vCard.
836 Type value: A single text value.
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844RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
847 Type special notes: This information can provide assistance to a
848 correspondent regarding the type of data representation which can be
849 used, and how they can be packaged. This property is based on the
850 private MIME type X-Mailer that is generally implemented by MIME user
855 MAILER:PigeonMail 2.1
8573.4 Geographical Types
859 These types are concerned with information associated with
860 geographical positions or regions associated with the object the
8633.4.1 TZ Type Definition
865 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
867 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type TZ
871 Type purpose: To specify information related to the time zone of the
872 object the vCard represents.
876 Type value: The default is a single utc-offset value. It can also be
877 reset to a single text value.
879 Type special notes: The type value consists of a single value.
885 TZ;VALUE=text:-05:00; EST; Raleigh/North America
886 ;This example has a single value, not a structure text value.
8883.4.2 GEO Type Definition
890 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
892 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type GEO
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900RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
903 Type purpose: To specify information related to the global
904 positioning of the object the vCard represents.
908 Type value: A single structured value consisting of two float values
909 separated by the SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59).
911 Type special notes: This type specifies information related to the
912 global position of the object associated with the vCard. The value
913 specifies latitude and longitude, in that order (i.e., "LAT LON"
914 ordering). The longitude represents the location east and west of the
915 prime meridian as a positive or negative real number, respectively.
916 The latitude represents the location north and south of the equator
917 as a positive or negative real number, respectively. The longitude
918 and latitude values MUST be specified as decimal degrees and should
919 be specified to six decimal places. This will allow for granularity
920 within a meter of the geographical position. The text components are
921 separated by the SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59). The simple
922 formula for converting degrees-minutes-seconds into decimal degrees
925 decimal = degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3600.
929 GEO:37.386013;-122.082932
9313.5 Organizational Types
933 These types are concerned with information associated with
934 characteristics of the organization or organizational units of the
935 object the vCard represents.
9373.5.1 TITLE Type Definition
939 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
941 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type TITLE
945 Type purpose: To specify the job title, functional position or
946 function of the object the vCard represents.
950 Type value: A single text value.
954Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 17]
956RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
959 Type special notes: This type is based on the X.520 Title attribute.
963 TITLE:Director\, Research and Development
9653.5.2 ROLE Type Definition
967 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
969 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type ROLE
973 Type purpose: To specify information concerning the role, occupation,
974 or business category of the object the vCard represents.
978 Type value: A single text value.
980 Type special notes: This type is based on the X.520 Business Category
981 explanatory attribute. This property is included as an organizational
982 type to avoid confusion with the semantics of the TITLE type and
983 incorrect usage of that type when the semantics of this type is
9903.5.3 LOGO Type Definition
992 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
994 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type LOGO
998 Type purpose: To specify a graphic image of a logo associated with
999 the object the vCard represents.
1001 Type encoding: The encoding MUST be reset to "b" using the ENCODING
1002 parameter in order to specify inline, encoded binary data. If the
1003 value is referenced by a URI value, then the default encoding of 8bit
1004 is used and no explicit ENCODING parameter is needed.
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1012RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1015 Type value: A single value. The default is binary value. It can also
1016 be reset to uri value. The uri value can be used to specify a value
1017 outside of this MIME entity.
1019 Type special notes: The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to
1020 specify the graphic image format type. The TYPE parameter values MUST
1021 be one of the IANA registered image formats or a non-standard image
1026 LOGO;VALUE=uri:http://www.abc.com/pub/logos/abccorp.jpg
1028 LOGO;ENCODING=b;TYPE=JPEG:MIICajCCAdOgAwIBAgICBEUwDQYJKoZIhvcN
1029 AQEEBQAwdzELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxLDAqBgNVBAoTI05ldHNjYXBlIENvbW11bm
1030 ljYXRpb25zIENvcnBvcmF0aW9uMRwwGgYDVQQLExNJbmZvcm1hdGlvbiBTeXN0
1031 <...the remainder of "B" encoded binary data...>
10333.5.4 AGENT Type Definition
1035 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1037 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type AGENT
1041 Type purpose: To specify information about another person who will
1042 act on behalf of the individual or resource associated with the
1045 Type encoding: 8-bit
1047 Type value: The default is a single vcard value. It can also be reset
1048 to either a single text or uri value. The text value can be used to
1049 specify textual information. The uri value can be used to specify
1050 information outside of this MIME entity.
1052 Type special notes: This type typically is used to specify an area
1053 administrator, assistant, or secretary for the individual associated
1054 with the vCard. A key characteristic of the Agent type is that it
1055 represents somebody or something that is separately addressable.
1060 CID:JQPUBLIC.part3.960129T083020.xyzMail@host3.com
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1068RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1071 AGENT:BEGIN:VCARD\nFN:Susan Thomas\nTEL:+1-919-555-
1072 1234\nEMAIL\;INTERNET:sthomas@host.com\nEND:VCARD\n
10743.5.5 ORG Type Definition
1076 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1078 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type ORG
1082 Type purpose: To specify the organizational name and units associated
1087 Type value: A single structured text value consisting of components
1088 separated the SEMI-COLON character (ASCII decimal 59).
1090 Type special notes: The type is based on the X.520 Organization Name
1091 and Organization Unit attributes. The type value is a structured type
1092 consisting of the organization name, followed by one or more levels
1093 of organizational unit names.
1095 Type example: A type value consisting of an organizational name,
1096 organizational unit #1 name and organizational unit #2 name.
1098 ORG:ABC\, Inc.;North American Division;Marketing
11003.6 Explanatory Types
1102 These types are concerned with additional explanations, such as that
1103 related to informational notes or revisions specific to the vCard.
11053.6.1 CATEGORIES Type Definition
1107 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1109 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type CATEGORIES
1111 Type name: CATEGORIES
1113 Type purpose: To specify application category information about the
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1124RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1127 Type value: One or more text values separated by a COMMA character
1132 CATEGORIES:TRAVEL AGENT
1134 CATEGORIES:INTERNET,IETF,INDUSTRY,INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
11363.6.2 NOTE Type Definition
1138 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1140 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type NOTE
1144 Type purpose: To specify supplemental information or a comment that
1145 is associated with the vCard.
1149 Type value: A single text value.
1151 Type special notes: The type is based on the X.520 Description
1156 NOTE:This fax number is operational 0800 to 1715
11593.6.3 PRODID Type Definition
1161 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1163 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type PRODID
1167 Type purpose: To specify the identifier for the product that created
1170 Type encoding: 8-bit
1172 Type value: A single text value.
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1180RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1183 Type special notes: Implementations SHOULD use a method such as that
1184 specified for Formal Public Identifiers in ISO 9070 to assure that
1185 the text value is unique.
1189 PRODID:-//ONLINE DIRECTORY//NONSGML Version 1//EN
11913.6.4 REV Type Definition
1193 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1195 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type REV
1199 Type purpose: To specify revision information about the current
1202 Type encoding: 8-bit
1204 Type value: The default is a single date-time value. Can also be
1205 reset to a single date value.
1207 Type special notes: The value distinguishes the current revision of
1208 the information in this vCard for other renditions of the
1213 REV:1995-10-31T22:27:10Z
12173.6.5 SORT-STRING Type Definition
1219 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1221 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type SORT-STRING
1223 Type Name: SORT-STRING
1225 Type purpose: To specify the family name or given name text to be
1226 used for national-language-specific sorting of the FN and N types.
1230 Type value: A single text value.
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1236RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1239 Type special notes: The sort string is used to provide family name or
1240 given name text that is to be used in locale- or national-language-
1241 specific sorting of the formatted name and structured name types.
1242 Without this information, sorting algorithms could incorrectly sort
1243 this vCard within a sequence of sorted vCards. When this type is
1244 present in a vCard, then this family name or given name value is used
1245 for sorting the vCard.
1247 Type examples: For the case of family name sorting, the following
1248 examples define common sort string usage with the FN and N types.
1250 FN:Rene van der Harten
1251 N:van der Harten;Rene;J.;Sir;R.D.O.N.
1254 FN:Robert Pau Shou Chang
1255 N:Pau;Shou Chang;Robert
1263 N:del Pozo Triscon;Oscar
1266 FN:Chistine d'Aboville
1267 N:d'Aboville;Christine
1268 SORT-STRING:Aboville
12703.6.6 SOUND Type Definition
1272 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1274 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type SOUND
1278 Type purpose: To specify a digital sound content information that
1279 annotates some aspect of the vCard. By default this type is used to
1280 specify the proper pronunciation of the name type value of the vCard.
1282 Type encoding: The encoding MUST be reset to "b" using the ENCODING
1283 parameter in order to specify inline, encoded binary data. If the
1284 value is referenced by a URI value, then the default encoding of 8bit
1285 is used and no explicit ENCODING parameter is needed.
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1292RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1295 Type value: A single value. The default is binary value. It can also
1296 be reset to uri value. The uri value can be used to specify a value
1297 outside of this MIME entity.
1299 Type special notes: The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to
1300 specify the audio format type. The TYPE parameter values MUST be one
1301 of the IANA registered audio formats or a non-standard audio format.
1305 SOUND;TYPE=BASIC;VALUE=uri:CID:JOHNQPUBLIC.part8.
1306 19960229T080000.xyzMail@host1.com
1308 SOUND;TYPE=BASIC;ENCODING=b:MIICajCCAdOgAwIBAgICBEUwDQYJKoZIhvcN
1309 AQEEBQAwdzELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxLDAqBgNVBAoTI05ldHNjYXBlIENvbW11bm
1310 ljYXRpb25zIENvcnBvcmF0aW9uMRwwGgYDVQQLExNJbmZvcm1hdGlvbiBTeXN0
1311 <...the remainder of "B" encoded binary data...>
13133.6.7 UID Type Definition
1315 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1317 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type UID
1321 Type purpose: To specify a value that represents a globally unique
1322 identifier corresponding to the individual or resource associated
1327 Type value: A single text value.
1329 Type special notes: The type is used to uniquely identify the object
1330 that the vCard represents.
1332 The type can include the type parameter "TYPE" to specify the format
1333 of the identifier. The TYPE parameter value should be an IANA
1334 registered identifier format. The value can also be a non-standard
1339 UID:19950401-080045-40000F192713-0052
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13513.6.8 URL Type Definition
1353 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1355 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type URL
1359 Type purpose: To specify a uniform resource locator associated with
1360 the object that the vCard refers to.
1364 Type value: A single uri value.
1368 URL:http://www.swbyps.restaurant.french/~chezchic.html
13703.6.9 VERSION Type Definition
1372 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1374 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type VERSION
1378 Type purpose: To specify the version of the vCard specification used
1379 to format this vCard.
1383 Type value: A single text value.
1385 Type special notes: The property MUST be present in the vCard object.
1386 The value MUST be "3.0" if the vCard corresponds to this
1395 These types are concerned with the security of communication pathways
1396 or access to the vCard.
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1404RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
14073.7.1 CLASS Type Definition
1409 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1411 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type CLASS
1415 Type purpose: To specify the access classification for a vCard
1420 Type value: A single text value.
1422 Type special notes: An access classification is only one component of
1423 the general security model for a directory service. The
1424 classification attribute provides a method of capturing the intent of
1425 the owner for general access to information described by the vCard
14363.7.2 KEY Type Definition
1438 To: ietf-mime-directory@imc.org
1440 Subject: Registration of text/directory MIME type KEY
1444 Type purpose: To specify a public key or authentication certificate
1445 associated with the object that the vCard represents.
1447 Type encoding: The encoding MUST be reset to "b" using the ENCODING
1448 parameter in order to specify inline, encoded binary data. If the
1449 value is a text value, then the default encoding of 8bit is used and
1450 no explicit ENCODING parameter is needed.
1452 Type value: A single value. The default is binary. It can also be
1453 reset to text value. The text value can be used to specify a text
1458Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 26]
1460RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1463 Type special notes: The type can also include the type parameter TYPE
1464 to specify the public key or authentication certificate format. The
1465 parameter type should specify an IANA registered public key or
1466 authentication certificate format. The parameter type can also
1467 specify a non-standard format.
1471 KEY;ENCODING=b:MIICajCCAdOgAwIBAgICBEUwDQYJKoZIhvcNAQEEBQA
1472 wdzELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxLDAqBgNVBAoTI05ldHNjYXBlIENbW11bmljYX
1473 Rpb25zIENvcnBvcmF0aW9uMRwwGgYDVQQLExNJbmZvcm1hdGlvbiBTeXN0
1474 ZW1zMRwwGgYDVQQDExNyb290Y2EubmV0c2NhcGUuY29tMB4XDTk3MDYwNj
1475 E5NDc1OVoXDTk3MTIwMzE5NDc1OVowgYkxCzAJBgNVBAYTAlVTMSYwJAYD
1476 VQQKEx1OZXRzY2FwZSBDb21tdW5pY2F0aW9ucyBDb3JwLjEYMBYGA1UEAx
1477 MPVGltb3RoeSBBIEhvd2VzMSEwHwYJKoZIhvcNAQkBFhJob3dlc0BuZXRz
1478 Y2FwZS5jb20xFTATBgoJkiaJk/IsZAEBEwVob3dlczBcMA0GCSqGSIb3DQ
1479 EBAQUAA0sAMEgCQQC0JZf6wkg8pLMXHHCUvMfL5H6zjSk4vTTXZpYyrdN2
1480 dXcoX49LKiOmgeJSzoiFKHtLOIboyludF90CgqcxtwKnAgMBAAGjNjA0MB
1481 EGCWCGSAGG+EIBAQQEAwIAoDAfBgNVHSMEGDAWgBT84FToB/GV3jr3mcau
1482 +hUMbsQukjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQQFAAOBgQBexv7o7mi3PLXadkmNP9LcIP
1483 mx93HGp0Kgyx1jIVMyNgsemeAwBM+MSlhMfcpbTrONwNjZYW8vJDSoi//y
1484 rZlVt9bJbs7MNYZVsyF1unsqaln4/vy6Uawfg8VUMk1U7jt8LYpo4YULU7
1485 UZHPYVUaSgVttImOHZIKi4hlPXBOhcUQ==
1489 The types defined by this document can be extended with private types
1490 using the non-standard, private values mechanism defined in [RFC
1491 2045]. Non-standard, private types with a name starting with "X-" may
1492 be defined bilaterally between two cooperating agents without outside
1493 registration or standardization.
1497 The following formal grammar is provided to assist developers in
1498 building parsers for the vCard.
1500 This syntax is written according to the form described in RFC 2234,
1501 but it references just this small subset of RFC 2234 literals:
1503 ;*******************************************
1504 ; Commonly Used Literal Definition
1505 ;*******************************************
1507 ALPHA = %x41-5A / %x61-7A
1508 ; Latin Capital Letter A-Latin Capital Letter Z /
1509 ; Latin Small Letter a-Latin Small Letter z
1514Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 27]
1516RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1520 ; Any C0 Controls and Basic Latin, excluding NULL from
1521 ; Code Charts, pages 7-6 through 7-9 in [UNICODE]
1530 ; Internet standard newline
1532 ;CTL = %x00-1F / %x7F
1533 ; Controls. Not used, but referenced in comments.
1536 ; Digit Zero-Digit Nine
1542 ; Horizontal Tabulation
1548 ; Visible (printing) characters
1553 ;*******************************************
1554 ; Basic vCard Definition
1555 ;*******************************************
1557 vcard_entity = 1*(vcard)
1559 vcard = [group "."] "BEGIN" ":" "VCARD" 1*CRLF
1561 ;A vCard object MUST include the VERSION, FN and N types.
1562 [group "."] "END" ":" "VCARD" 1*CRLF
1564 contentline = [group "."] name *(";" param ) ":" value CRLF
1565 ; When parsing a content line, folded lines must first
1566 ; be unfolded according to the unfolding procedure
1570Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 28]
1572RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1575 ; described above. When generating a content line, lines
1576 ; longer than 75 characters SHOULD be folded according to
1577 ; the folding procedure described in [MIME DIR].
1579 group = 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / "-")
1581 name = iana-token / x-name
1582 ; Parsing of the param and value is
1583 ; based on the "name" or type identifier
1584 ; as defined in ABNF sections below
1586 iana-token = 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / "-")
1587 ; vCard type or parameter identifier registered with IANA
1589 x-name = "X-" 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / "-")
1590 ; Reserved for non-standard use
1592 param = param-name "=" param-value *("," param-value)
1594 param-name = iana-token / x-name
1596 param-value = ptext / quoted-string
1602 quoted-string = DQUOTE QSAFE-CHAR DQUOTE
1605 ; Use is restricted by CHARSET parameter
1606 ; on outer MIME object (UTF-8 preferred)
1608 QSAFE-CHAR = WSP / %x21 / %x23-7E / NON-ASCII
1609 ; Any character except CTLs, DQUOTE
1611 SAFE-CHAR = WSP / %x21 / %x23-2B / %x2D-39 / %x3C-7E / NON-ASCII
1612 ; Any character except CTLs, DQUOTE, ";", ":", ","
1614 VALUE-CHAR = WSP / VCHAR / NON-ASCII
1615 ; Any textual character
1617 ;*******************************************
1618 ; vCard Type Definition
1620 ; Provides type-specific definitions for how the
1621 ; "value" and "param" are defined.
1622 ;*******************************************
1626Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 29]
1628RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1633 ; No parameters allowed
1639 ; No parameters allowed
1642 ; Value MUST be the case insensitive value "VCARD
1645 param = source-param
1646 ; No parameters allowed
1650 source-param = ("VALUE" "=" "uri")
1651 / ("CONTEXT" "=" "word")
1652 ; Parameter value specifies the protocol context
1653 ; for the uri value.
1654 / (x-name "=" *SAFE-CHAR)
1657 ;This type MUST be included in a vCard object.
1659 ; Text parameters allowed
1664 ;This type MUST be included in a vCard object.
1667 ; Text parameters allowed
1671 n-value = 0*4(text-value *("," text-value) ";")
1672 text-value *("," text-value)
1673 ; Family; Given; Middle; Prefix; Suffix.
1674 ; Example: Public;John;Quincy,Adams;Reverend Dr. III
1676 ;For name="NICKNAME"
1678 ; Text parameters allowed
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1684RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1690 param = img-inline-param
1691 ; Only image parameters allowed
1693 param =/ img-refer-param
1694 ; Only image parameters allowed
1696 value = img-inline-value
1697 ; Value and parameter MUST match
1699 value =/ img-refer-value
1700 ; Value and parameter MUST match
1703 param = ("VALUE" "=" "date")
1704 ; Only value parameter allowed
1706 param =/ ("VALUE" "=" "date-time")
1707 ; Only value parameter allowed
1710 ; Value MUST match value type
1712 value =/ date-time-value
1713 ; Value MUST match value type
1716 param = adr-param / text-param
1717 ; Only adr and text parameters allowed
1722 param = adr-param / text-param
1723 ; Only adr and text parameters allowed
1729 ; Only tel parameters allowed
1731 value = phone-number-value
1733 tel-param = "TYPE" "=" tel-type *("," tel-type)
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1740RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1743 tel-type = "HOME" / "WORK" / "PREF" / "VOICE" / "FAX" / "MSG"
1744 / "CELL" / "PAGER" / "BBS" / "MODEM" / "CAR" / "ISDN"
1745 / "VIDEO" / "PCS" / iana-token / x-name
1746 ; Values are case insensitive
1750 ; Only email parameters allowed
1754 email-param = "TYPE" "=" email-type ["," "PREF"]
1755 ; Value is case insensitive
1757 email-type = "INTERNET" / "X400" / iana-token / "X-" word
1758 ; Values are case insensitive
1762 ; Only text parameters allowed
1768 ; No parameters allowed
1770 value = utc-offset-value
1774 ; No parameters allowed
1776 value = float-value ";" float-value
1780 ; Only text parameters allowed
1786 ; Only text parameters allowed
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1796RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1799 param = img-inline-param / img-refer-param
1800 ; Only image parameters allowed
1802 value = img-inline-value / img-refer-value
1803 ; Value and parameter MUST match
1806 param = agent-inline-param
1808 param =/ agent-refer-param
1810 value = agent-inline-value
1811 ; Value and parameter MUST match
1813 value =/ agent-refer-value
1814 ; Value and parameter MUST match
1816 agent-inline-param = ""
1817 ; No parameters allowed
1819 agent-refer-param = "VALUE" "=" "uri"
1820 ; Only value parameter allowed
1822 agent-inline-value = text-value
1823 ; Value MUST be a valid vCard object
1825 agent-refer-value = uri
1826 ; URI MUST refer to image content of given type
1831 ; Only text parameters allowed
1835 org-value = *(text-value ";") text-value
1836 ; First is Organization Name, remainder are Organization Units.
1838 ;For name="CATEGORIES"
1840 ; Only text parameters allowed
1846 ; Only text parameters allowed
1850Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 33]
1852RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1859 ; No parameters allowed
1864 param = ["VALUE" =" "date-time"]
1865 ; Only value parameters allowed. Values are case insensitive.
1867 param =/ "VALUE" =" "date"
1868 ; Only value parameters allowed. Values are case insensitive.
1870 value = date-time-value
1874 ;For name="SORT-STRING"
1876 ; Only text parameters allowed
1881 param = snd-inline-param
1882 ; Only sound parameters allowed
1884 param =/ snd-refer-param
1885 ; Only sound parameters allowed
1887 value = snd-line-value
1888 ; Value MUST match value type
1890 value =/ snd-refer-value
1891 ; Value MUST match value type
1893 snd-inline-value = binary-value CRLF
1894 ; Value MUST be "b" encoded audio content
1896 snd-inline-param = ("VALUE" "=" "binary"])
1897 / ("ENCODING" "=" "b")
1898 / ("TYPE" "=" *SAFE-CHAR)
1899 ; Value MUST be an IANA registered audio type
1901 snd-refer-value = uri
1902 ; URI MUST refer to audio content of given type
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1908RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1911 snd-refer-param = ("VALUE" "=" "uri")
1913 ; Value MUST be an IANA registered audio type
1917 ; No parameters allowed
1923 ; No parameters allowed
1928 ;This type MUST be included in a vCard object.
1930 ; No parameters allowed
1933 ; Value MUST be "3.0"
1937 ; No parameters allowed
1939 value = "PUBLIC" / "PRIVATE" / "CONFIDENTIAL"
1940 / iana-token / x-name
1941 ; Value are case insensitive
1944 param = key-txt-param
1945 ; Only value and type parameters allowed
1947 param =/ key-bin-param
1948 ; Only value and type parameters allowed
1952 value =/ binary-value
1954 key-txt-param = "TYPE" "=" keytype
1956 key-bin-param = ("TYPE" "=" keytype)
1957 / ("ENCODING" "=" "b")
1958 ; Value MUST be a "b" encoded key or certificate
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1964RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
1967 keytype = "X509" / "PGP" / iana-token / x-name
1968 ; Values are case insensitive
1970 ;For name="X-" non-standard type
1971 param = text-param / (x-name "=" param-value)
1972 ; Only text or non-standard parameters allowed
1976 ;*******************************************
1977 ; vCard Commonly Used Parameter Definition
1978 ;*******************************************
1980 text-param = ("VALUE" "=" "ptext")
1981 / ("LANGUAGE" "=" langval)
1982 / (x-name "=" param-value)
1984 langval = <a language string as defined in RFC 1766>
1986 img-inline-value = binary-value
1987 ;Value MUST be "b" encoded image content
1991 img-inline-param = ("VALUE" "=" "binary")
1992 / ("ENCODING" "=" "b")
1993 / ("TYPE" "=" param-value
1994 ;TYPE value MUST be an IANA registered image type
1996 img-refer-value = uri
1997 ;URI MUST refer to image content of given type
1999 img-refer-param = ("VALUE" "=" "uri")
2000 / ("TYPE" "=" param-value)
2001 ;TYPE value MUST be an IANA registered image type
2003 adr-param = ("TYPE" "=" adr-type *("," adr-type))
2006 adr-type = "dom" / "intl" / "postal" / "parcel" / "home"
2007 / "work" / "pref" / iana-type / x-name
2009 adr-value = 0*6(text-value ";") text-value
2010 ; PO Box, Extended Address, Street, Locality, Region, Postal
2011 ; Code, Country Name
2018Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 36]
2020RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
2023 ;*******************************************
2024 ; vCard Type Value Definition
2025 ;*******************************************
2027 text-value-list = 1*text-value *("," 1*text-value)
2029 text-value = *(SAFE-CHAR / ":" / DQUOTE / ESCAPED-CHAR)
2031 ESCAPED-CHAR = "\\" / "\;" / "\," / "\n" / "\N")
2032 ; \\ encodes \, \n or \N encodes newline
2033 ; \; encodes ;, \, encodes ,
2035 binary-value = <A "b" encoded text value as defined in [RFC 2047]>
2037 date-value = <A single date value as defined in [MIME-DIR]>
2039 time-value = <A single time value as defined in [MIME-DIR]>
2041 date-time-value = <A single date-time value as defined in [MIME-DIR]
2043 float-value = <A single float value as defined in [MIME-DIR]>
2045 phone-number-value = <A single text value as defined in [CCITT
2046 E.163] and [CCITT X.121]>
2048 uri-value = <A uri value as defined in [MIME-DIR]>
2050 utc-offset-value = ("+" / "-") time-hour ":" time-minute
2051 time-hour = 2DIGIT ;00-23
2052 time-minute = 2DIGIT ;00-59
20545. Differences From vCard v2.1
2056 This specification has been reviewed by the IETF community. The
2057 review process introduced a number of differences from the [VCARD]
2058 version 2.1. These differences require that vCard objects conforming
2059 to this specification have a different version number than a vCard
2060 conforming to [VCARD]. The differences include the following:
2062 . The QUOTED-PRINTABLE inline encoding has been eliminated.
2063 Only the "B" encoding of [RFC 2047] is an allowed value for
2064 the ENCODING parameter.
2066 . The method for specifying CRLF character sequences in text
2067 type values has been changed. The CRLF character sequence in
2068 a text type value is specified with the backslash character
2069 sequence "\n" or "\N".
2074Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 37]
2076RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
2079 . Any COMMA or SEMICOLON in a text type value must be backslash
2082 . VERSION value corresponding to this specification MUST be
2085 . The [MIME-DIR] predefined types of SOURCE, NAME and PROFILE
2088 . The [MIME-DIR] VALUE type parameter for value data typing is
2089 allowed. In addition, there are extensions made to these type
2090 values for additional value types used in this specification.
2092 . The [VCARD] CHARSET type parameter has been eliminated.
2093 Character set can only be specified on the CHARSET parameter
2094 on the Content-Type MIME header field.
2096 . The [VCARD] support for non-significant WSP character has
2099 . The "TYPE=" prefix to parameter values is required. In
2100 [VCARD] this was optional.
2102 . LOGO, PHOTO and SOUND multimedia formats MUST be either IANA
2103 registered types or non-standard types.
2105 . Inline binary content must be "B" encoded and folded. A blank
2106 line after the encoded binary content is no longer required.
2108 . TEL values can be identified as personal communication
2109 services telephone numbers with the PCS type parameter value.
2111 . The CATEGORIES, CLASS, NICKNAME, PRODID and SORT-STRING types
2114 . The VERSION, N and FN types MUST be specified in a vCard.
2115 This identifies the version of the specification that the
2116 object was formatted to. It also assures that every vCard
2117 will include both a structured and formatted name that can be
2118 used to identify the object.
2130Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 38]
2132RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
2137 The many valuable comments contributed by members of the IETF ASID
2138 working group are gratefully acknowledged, as are the contributions
2139 by Roland Alden, Stephen Bartlett, Alec Dun, Patrik Faltstrom, Daniel
2140 Gurney, Bruce Johnston, Daniel Klaussen, Pete Miller, Keith Moore,
2141 Vinod Seraphin, Michelle Watkins. Chris Newman was especially helpful
2142 in navigating the intricacies of ABNF lore.
21447. Authors' Addresses
2149 ORG:Lotus Development Corporation
2150 ADR;TYPE=WORK,POSTAL,PARCEL:;;6544 Battleford Drive
2151 ;Raleigh;NC;27613-3502;U.S.A.
2152 TEL;TYPE=VOICE,MSG,WORK:+1-919-676-9515
2153 TEL;TYPE=FAX,WORK:+1-919-676-9564
2154 EMAIL;TYPE=INTERNET,PREF:Frank_Dawson@Lotus.com
2155 EMAIL;TYPE=INTERNET:fdawson@earthlink.net
2156 URL:http://home.earthlink.net/~fdawson
2163 ORG:Netscape Communications Corp.
2164 ADR;TYPE=WORK:;;501 E. Middlefield Rd.;Mountain View;
2166 TEL;TYPE=VOICE,MSG,WORK:+1-415-937-3419
2167 TEL;TYPE=FAX,WORK:+1-415-528-4164
2168 EMAIL;TYPE=INTERNET:howes@netscape.com
21718. Security Considerations
2173 vCards can carry cryptographic keys or certificates, as described in
2176 Section 3.7.1 specifies a desired security classification policy for
2177 a particular vCard. That policy is not enforced in any way.
2179 The vCard objects have no inherent authentication or privacy, but can
2180 easily be carried by any security mechanism that transfers MIME
2181 objects with authentication or privacy. In cases where threats of
2182 "spoofed" vCard information is a concern, the vCard SHOULD BE
2186Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 39]
2188RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
2191 transported using one of these secure mechanisms.
2193 The information in a vCard may become out of date. In cases where the
2194 vitality of data is important to an originator of a vCard, the "URL"
2195 type described in section 3.6.8 SHOULD BE specified. In addition, the
2196 "REV" type described in section 3.6.4 can be specified to indicate
2197 the last time that the vCard data was updated.
2201 [ISO 8601] ISO 8601:1988 - Data elements and interchange formats -
2202 Information interchange - Representation of dates and
2203 times - The International Organization for
2204 Standardization, June, 1988.
2206 [ISO 8601 TC] ISO 8601, Technical Corrigendum 1 - Data elements and
2207 interchange formats - Information interchange -
2208 Representation of dates and times - The International
2209 Organization for Standardization, May, 1991.
2211 [ISO 9070] ISO 9070, Information Processing - SGML support
2212 facilities - Registration Procedures for Public Text
2213 Owner Identifiers, April, 1991.
2215 [CCITT E.163] Recommendation E.163 - Numbering Plan for The
2216 International Telephone Service, CCITT Blue Book,
2217 Fascicle II.2, pp. 128-134, November, 1988.
2219 [CCITT X.121] Recommendation X.121 - International Numbering Plan for
2220 Public Data Networks, CCITT Blue Book, Fascicle VIII.3,
2221 pp. 317-332, November, 1988.
2223 [CCITT X.520] Recommendation X.520 - The Directory - Selected
2224 Attribute Types, November 1988.
2226 [CCITT X.521] Recommendation X.521 - The Directory - Selected Object
2227 Classes, November 1988.
2229 [MIME-DIR] Howes, T., Smith, M., and F. Dawson, "A MIME Content-
2230 Type for Directory Information", RFC 2425, September
2233 [RFC 1738] Berners-Lee, T., Masinter, L., and M. McCahill,
2234 "Uniform Resource Locators (URL)", RFC 1738, December
2237 [RFC 1766] Alvestrand, H., "Tags for the Identification of
2238 Languages", RFC 1766, March 1995.
2242Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 40]
2244RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
2247 [RFC 1872] Levinson, E., "The MIME Multipart/Related Content-
2248 type", RFC 1872, December 1995.
2250 [RFC 2045] Freed, N., and N. Borenstein, "Multipurpose Internet
2251 Mail Extensions (MIME) - Part One: Format of Internet
2252 Message Bodies", RFC 2045, November 1996.
2254 [RFC 2046] Freed, N., and N. Borenstein, "Multipurpose Internet
2255 Mail Extensions (MIME) - Part Two: Media Types", RFC
2256 2046, November 1996.
2258 [RFC 2047] Moore, K., "Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
2259 (MIME) - Part Three: Message Header Extensions for
2260 Non-ASCII Text", RFC 2047, November 1996.
2262 [RFC 2048] Freed, N., Klensin, J., and J. Postel, "Multipurpose
2263 Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) - Part Four:
2264 Registration Procedures", RFC 2048, January 1997.
2266 [RFC 2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate
2267 Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997.
2269 [RFC 2234] Crocker, D., and P. Overell, "Augmented BNF for Syntax
2270 Specifications: ABNF", RFC 2234, November 1997.
2272 [UNICODE] "The Unicode Standard - Version 2.0", The Unicode
2273 Consortium, July 1996.
2275 [VCARD] Internet Mail Consortium, "vCard - The Electronic
2276 Business Card Version 2.1",
2277 http://www.imc.org/pdi/vcard-21.txt, September 18,
2298Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 41]
2300RFC 2426 vCard MIME Directory Profile September 1998
230310. Full Copyright Statement
2305 Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1998). All Rights Reserved.
2307 This document and translations of it may be copied and furnished to
2308 others, and derivative works that comment on or otherwise explain it
2309 or assist in its implementation may be prepared, copied, published
2310 and distributed, in whole or in part, without restriction of any
2311 kind, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph are
2312 included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this
2313 document itself may not be modified in any way, such as by removing
2314 the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other
2315 Internet organizations, except as needed for the purpose of
2316 developing Internet standards in which case the procedures for
2317 copyrights defined in the Internet Standards process must be
2318 followed, or as required to translate it into languages other than
2321 The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be
2322 revoked by the Internet Society or its successors or assigns.
2324 This document and the information contained herein is provided on an
2325 "AS IS" basis and THE INTERNET SOCIETY AND THE INTERNET ENGINEERING
2326 TASK FORCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
2327 BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION
2328 HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
2329 MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
2354Dawson & Howes Standards Track [Page 42]