JEP-0154: Profile Data Representation

This JEP specifies how to represent data about IM users and other XMPP entities in terms of the Data Forms protocol.


WARNING: This Informational JEP is Experimental. Publication as a Jabber Enhancement Proposal does not imply approval of this proposal by the Jabber Software Foundation. Implementation of the best practice or protocol profile described herein is encouraged in exploratory implementations, although production systems should not deploy implementations of this protocol until it advances to a status of Draft.


JEP Information

Status: Experimental
Type: Informational
Number: 0154
Version: 0.3
Last Updated: 2005-11-11
JIG: Standards JIG
Approving Body: Jabber Council
Dependencies: XMPP Core, JEP-0004, JEP-0060, JEP-0068
Supersedes: JEP-0054
Superseded By: None
Short Name: profiledata
Wiki Page: <http://wiki.jabber.org/index.php/Profile Data Representation (JEP-0154)>

Author Information

Peter Saint-Andre

Email: stpeter@jabber.org
JID: stpeter@jabber.org

Legal Notice

This Jabber Enhancement Proposal is copyright 1999 - 2005 by the Jabber Software Foundation (JSF) and is in full conformance with the JSF's Intellectual Property Rights Policy <http://www.jabber.org/jsf/ipr-policy.shtml>. This material may be distributed only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Creative Commons Attribution License (<http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/>).

Discussion Venue

The preferred venue for discussion of this document is the Standards-JIG discussion list: <http://mail.jabber.org/mailman/listinfo/standards-jig>.

Relation to XMPP

The Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) is defined in the XMPP Core (RFC 3920) and XMPP IM (RFC 3921) specifications contributed by the Jabber Software Foundation to the Internet Standards Process, which is managed by the Internet Engineering Task Force in accordance with RFC 2026. Any protocol defined in this JEP has been developed outside the Internet Standards Process and is to be understood as an extension to XMPP rather than as an evolution, development, or modification of XMPP itself.

Conformance Terms

The keywords "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119.


Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Requirements
3. Design Decisions
4. Approach
5. Common Data Fields
5.1. Name Data Aspects
5.1.1. Display Name
5.1.2. Familiar Name
5.1.3. Family Name
5.1.4. Given Name
5.1.5. Middle Name
5.1.6. Name Prefix
5.1.7. Name Suffix
5.1.8. Nickname
5.1.9. Patronymic
5.2. Physical Address Data Aspects
5.2.1. Country
5.2.2. Region
5.2.3. Locality
5.2.4. Area
5.2.5. Street
5.2.6. Building
5.2.7. Floor
5.2.8. Room
5.2.9. Postal Box
5.2.10. Postal Code
5.2.11. Postal Address
5.3. Geolocation Data Aspects
5.3.1. Altitude
5.3.2. Latitude
5.3.3. Longitude
5.4. Telephony Address Data Aspects
5.4.1. Fax Number
5.4.2. Landline Telephone Number
5.4.3. Mobile Telephone Number
5.4.4. Pager Number
5.4.5. SIP Address
5.4.6. Skype Address
5.4.7. Videophone Address
5.5. Electronic Address Data Aspects
5.5.1. AIM Screen Name
5.5.2. Email Address
5.5.3. ICQ Number
5.5.4. Jabber ID
5.5.5. MSN Address
5.5.6. Yahoo ID
5.6. World Wide Web Resource Aspects
5.6.1. Avatar URL
5.6.2. Biographical URL
5.6.3. FOAF URL
5.6.4. Homepage URL
5.6.5. Photo URL
5.6.6. Publications URL
5.6.7. Resume URL
5.6.8. Status URL
5.6.9. Organizational URL
5.6.10. Weblog URL
5.7. Organizational Data Aspects
5.7.1. Alternative Contact
5.7.2. Assistant
5.7.3. Job Title
5.7.4. Manager
5.7.5. Organizational Name
5.7.6. Organizational Role
5.7.7. Organizational Unit
5.7.8. System Username
5.7.9. Teams
5.7.10. Workstation Address
5.8. Basic Personal Data Aspects
5.8.1. Birth Day-of-Month
5.8.2. Birth Month
5.8.3. Birth Year
5.8.4. Description
5.8.5. Eye Color
5.8.6. Gender
5.8.7. Hair Color
5.8.8. Height
5.8.9. Weight
5.9. Extended Personal Data Aspects
5.9.1. Areas of Expertise
5.9.2. Avatar Data
5.9.3. Dietary Preferences
5.9.4. Hobbies
5.9.5. Interests
5.9.6. Languages Known Less Well
5.9.7. Languages Known Well
5.9.8. Marital Status
5.9.9. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
5.9.10. Photo Data
5.9.11. Profession
5.9.12. Religious Affiliation
5.9.13. Sexual Orientation
5.9.14. Smoker
5.9.15. Wishlist
5.9.16. Zodiac Sign (Chinese)
5.9.17. Zodiac Sign (Western)
5.10. Security Data Aspects
5.10.1. PGP Key
5.10.2. PGP Key Fingerprint
5.10.3. PGP Key ID
5.10.4. X.509 Fingerprint (MD5)
5.10.5. X.509 Fingerprint (SHA-1)
5.11. Personal Favorites
5.11.1. Favorite Authors
5.11.2. Favorite Athletes
5.11.3. Favorite Charities
5.11.4. Favorite Chatrooms
5.11.5. Favorite Drinks
5.11.6. Favorite Foods
5.11.7. Favorite Games
5.11.8. Favorite Movies
5.11.9. Favorite Music
5.11.10. Favorite Quotes
5.11.11. Favorite Sports Teams
5.11.12. Favorite TV Shows
5.12. Personal History
5.12.1. Places Lived
5.12.2. Schools Attended
6. Security Considerations
7. IANA Considerations
8. Jabber Registrar Considerations
8.1. Field Standardization
Notes
Revision History


1. Introduction

It is widely acknowledged within the Jabber/XMPP community that the vcard-temp [1] specification (JEP-0054) has outlived its usefulness. There are several reasons for this conclusion:

  1. JEP-0054 is not fully consistent with the Internet-Draft on which it was based.
  2. The Internet-Draft on which it was based was never approved by the IETF.
  3. Because of confusion over aspects of the vcard-temp specification, there exist incompatible implementations.
  4. vCard (RFC 2426 [2]) captures only a limited set of information.
  5. vCard (even in its XML representation [3]) is not easily extensible, leading those who develop profiles for specialized communities to "roll their own" protocols, to the detriment of interoperability.
  6. vCard data tends to be monolithic (the basic unit of information is the full vCard, not parts thereof).
  7. The publication model for JEP-0054 is to set the full vCard, rather than only the parts that need to be modified.
  8. The retrieval model for JEP-0054 is to get the full vCard, rather than only the parts that have been modified.

Given the weaknesses of vCard, there is interest across the broader Internet community in replacing vCard with something more modern and extensible. Unfortunately, no other standards development organization has developed an alternative to vCard. Part of the challenge is that quite detailed ontologies have been developed that might replace parts of the vCard specification (e.g., the Extensible Name and Address Language [4] developed by OASIS [5]) while less-formal ontologies are being used to represent other parts of the problem space (e.g., Friend of a Friend (FOAF) [6]). The relevant protocols are in flux and it is unclear when (or even if) stability will emerge.

Because of the unsettled landspace and the strong desire within the Jabber/XMPP community to move beyond JEP-0054, this JEP specifies a consistent framework for the wire representation of profile data fields in terms of the Data Forms [7] protocol, further qualified using the standardization concepts specified in Field Standardization for Data Forms [8]. The rationale behind this design decision is provided below.

Note: This JEP does not offer solutions to the problems of publishing, storing, and retrieving profile data. Those issues will be addressed in a separate proposal.

2. Requirements

This JEP addresses the following requirements:

  1. Specify how to represent profile data in an XMPP-friendly manner for communication over the wire.
  2. Ensure that the protocol is extensible (e.g., not limited to vCard fields). [9]
  3. Where possible, map profile data fields to existing vCard fields and other common formats.

As noted, this JEP does not offer solutions to the problems of publishing, storing, and retrieving profile data. Those issues will be addressed in a separate proposal.

3. Design Decisions

There are many possible approaches to representing profile data for communication over XMPP networks, including the following:

For these reasons, this proposal specifies a way to represent profile data in terms of the Data Forms (jabber:x:data) protocol.

4. Approach

This proposal specifies that profile data shall be scoped by a FORM_TYPE of 'http://jabber.org/protocol/profiledata', in accordance with the field standardization methods defined in JEP-0068. For the sake of interoperability, profile data fields that will be in common use SHOULD be registered with the Jabber Registrar [15] (although they may or may not be defined in a Jabber Enhancement Proposal). Profile data fields that are intended to be used only within the context of a specialized application MAY remain unregistered, but unregistered fields MUST begin with the string "x-" in accordance with Section 3.4 of JEP-0068. [16]

The following is a simple and incomplete example of profile data represented via the Data Forms protocol, containing two registered data fields and one unregistered field:

Example 1. A Basic Example

<x xmlns='jabber:x:data' type='result'>
  <field var='FORM_TYPE' type='hidden'>
    <value>http://jabber.org/protocol/profiledata</value>
  </field>
  <field var='common_name'>
    <value>Peter Saint-Andre</value>
  </field>
  <field var='nickname'>
    <value>stpeter</value>
  </field>
  <field var='x-favorite_painters'>
    <value>Joaquin Sorolla</value>
    <value>Jan Vermeer</value>
  </field>
</x>
    

By specifying that all fields are scoped by a FORM_TYPE of 'http://jabber.org/protocol/profiledata', this proposal does not mean to imply that all profile data will or should be gathered in one data form. In reality, most such data will probably be gathered at the time of registration either at a website or via a "wizard" interface that breaks the process into smaller bundles (such as "Basic Personal Data", "Physical Location", "Internet Addresses", "Hobbies and Interests", and "Favorite Things"). The use of one FORM_TYPE is simply meant to scope the data fields so that each field is unique within the context of profile data. Any form that uses these fields along with a FORM_TYPE of 'http://jabber.org/protocol/profiledata' is of the "profile type" (i.e., is a specific instance of that type), which does not limit the number of forms that can be of that type.

However, scoping all data fields with a single FORM_TYPE implies it is necessary to define separate data fields for similar kinds of information. For example, the vCard specification (RFC 2426) defines "types" for certains kinds of data, such as email addresses, telephone numbers, and physical addresses, making it possible to specify that a telephone number corresponds to a fax machine or mobile phone or that a physical address corresponds to one's home or work location. In the Data Forms representation, any desired piece of information (e.g., work phone) must be represented with a separate data field.

In order to address most (if not all) of the pieces of information described in existing profile specifications, this JEP defines a great number of data fields. Even so, the data fields specified herein are not exhaustive, and it is expected that additional fields will be registered in the future through the mechanisms specified in the Jabber Registrar Considerations section of this JEP.

5. Common Data Fields

The following subsections specify common fields for defining various aspects of a person, which shall form the initial submission to the Jabber Registrar; many of these fields map to elements specified in vCard, LDAP (see RFC 2252 [17], RFC 2256 [18], and RFC 2798 [19]), xNAL, FOAF, and other existing specifications.

5.1 Name Data Aspects

Mappings are provided to vCard, xNAL, and FOAF.

5.1.1 Display Name

A display name is a version of a person's name intended for display in a user interface. Sometimes also called a "full name" or "formatted name".

The Data Forms field that represents a display name is "display_name".

This field maps to:

Example 2. Display Name

<field var='display_name'>
  <value>Peter Saint-Andre</value>
</field>
      

5.1.2 Familiar Name

A familiar name is a shortened or modified form of someone's given name that may be used in somewhat informal contexts or that is preferred by the person (e.g., "Chuck" instead of "Charles").

The Data Forms field that represents a familiar name is "familiar_name".

This field maps to:

Example 3. Familiar Name

<field var='familiar_name'>
  <value>Pete</value>
</field>
      

5.1.3 Family Name

A family name is that part of a person's name which signifies the person's primary family association. Sometimes also called a "last name" or "surname".

The Data Forms field that represents a family name is "family_name".

This field maps to:

Example 4. Family Name

<field var='family_name'>
  <value>Saint-Andre</value>
</field>
      

5.1.4 Given Name

A given name is that part of a person's name which signifies the person's primary individual identity. Sometimes also called a "first name" or (in some countries) a "Christian name".

The Data Forms field that represents a given name is "given_name".

This field maps to:

Example 5. Given Name

<field var='given_name'>
  <value>J.</value>
</field>
      

5.1.5 Middle Name

A middle name is that part of a person's name which signifies the person's secondary individual identity. Sometimes also called a "middle initial".

The Data Forms field that represents a middle name is "middle_name".

This field maps to:

Example 6. Middle Name

<field var='middle_name'>
  <value>Peter</value>
</field>
      

5.1.6 Name Prefix

A name prefix is that part of a person's name which prepends the person's full name (e.g., Mr or Dr). Sometimes also called an "honorific" or "title".

The Data Forms field that represents a name prefix is "name_prefix".

This field maps to:

Example 7. Name Prefix

<field var='name_prefix'>
  <value>Mr</value>
</field>
      

5.1.7 Name Suffix

A name suffix is that part of a person's name which is appended to the person's full name (e.g., Jr or Esq).

The Data Forms field that represents a name suffix is "name_suffix".

This field maps to:

Example 8. Name Suffix

<field var='name_suffix'>
  <value>Esq</value>
</field>
      

5.1.8 Nickname

A nickname is a global, memorable (but not unique) friendly or informal name chosen by the owner of a JID. The purpose of a nickname is to associate a distinctive mapping between the person's unique JID and non-unique nickname. A nickname is normally used in informal contexts (e.g., in chatrooms). Sometimes also called an "alias". A person SHOULD specify only one nickname (i.e., not more than one).

The Data Forms field that represents a nickname is "nickname".

This field maps to:

Example 9. Nickname

<field var='nickname'>
  <value>stpeter</value>
</field>
      

5.1.9 Patronymic

In some cultures, one's name includes a part that is derived from the given name of one's father; this part of one's name is called a "patronymic".

The Data Forms field that represents a patronymic is "patronymic".

Example 10. A Patronymic

<field var='patronymic'>
  <value>Ivanovich</value>
</field>
      

5.2 Physical Address Data Aspects

Mappings are provided to vCard, xNAL, and JEP-0112 (User Physical Location [20]).

5.2.1 Country

A country is the sovereign nation in which a person is located. Sometimes also called a "nation".

The Data Forms fields that represent a country are "country", "home_country", and "work_country" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 11. Country

<field var='country'>
  <value>USA</value>
</field>
      

5.2.2 Region

A region is a second-level administrative unit within the nation in which a person is located. Sometimes also called a "province", "state", or "administrative area".

The Data Forms field that represents a region is "region".

The Data Forms fields that represent a region are "home_region" and "work_region" for home addresses and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 12. Region

<field var='region'>
  <value>New York</value>
</field>
      

5.2.3 Locality

A locality is a defined place within the region in which a person is located. Sometimes also called a "city", "town", or "village".

The Data Forms fields that represent a locality are "locality", "home_locality", and "work_locality" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 13. Locality

<field var='locality'>
  <value>New York City</value>
</field>
      

5.2.4 Area

An area is a sub-division within the locality in which a person is located. Sometimes also called a "neighborhood", "suburb", "district", or "section".

The Data Forms fields that represent a area are "area", "home_area", and "work_area" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 14. Area

<field var='area'>
  <value>Manhattan</value>
</field>
      

5.2.5 Street

A street is the street address (number plus street name, or two street names at an intersection) at which a person is located, or a postal box number for physical mail delivery. Sometimes also called a "street address".

The Data Forms fields that represent a street are "street", "home_street", and "work_street" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 15. Street

<field var='street'>
  <value>Fifth Avenue and 34th Street</value>
</field>
      

5.2.6 Building

A building is the name for a specific structure on a street or within an area.

The Data Forms fields that represent a building are "building", "home_building", and "work_building" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 16. Building

<field var='building'>
  <value>Empire State Building</value>
</field>
      

5.2.7 Floor

A floor is a named or numbered floor or level within a building. Sometimes also called a "level", "block", or "suite".

The Data Forms fields that represent a floor are "floor", "home_floor", and "work_floor" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 17. Floor

<field var='floor'>
  <value>102</value>
</field>
      

5.2.8 Room

A room is a named or numbered subdivision of a floor. Sometimes also called a "unit" or "apartment".

The Data Forms fields that represent a room are "room", "home_room", and "work_room" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 18. Room

<field var='room'>
  <value>Observatory</value>
</field>
      

5.2.9 Postal Box

A postal box is a set of numeric or alphanumeric characters used to identify a mailbox at a postal delivery center.

The Data Forms fields that represent a postal box are "postalbox", "home_postalbox", and "work_postalbox" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 19. Postal Box

<field var='postalbox'>
  <value>1641</value>
</field>
      

5.2.10 Postal Code

A postal code is a set of numeric or alphanumeric characters used to identify an area for postal delivery. Sometimes also called a "ZIP code" (in the U.S.).

The Data Forms fields that represent a postal code are "postalcode", "home_postalcode", and "work_postalcode" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 20. Postal Code

<field var='postalcode'>
  <value>10002</value>
</field>
      

5.2.11 Postal Address

A postal address is a free-form mailing address, which may be easier to enter (or, in some cultural contexts, more appropriate) than the atomic address parts such as street, floor, etc.

The Data Forms fields that represent a postal address are "postaladdress", "home_postaladdress", and "work_postaladdress" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 21. Postal Address

<field var='work_postaladdress'>
  <value>1899 Wynkoop Street</value>
  <value>Suite 600</value>
  <value>Denver, CO 80202</value>
  <value>USA</value>
</field>
      

5.3 Geolocation Data Aspects

Mappings are provided to vCard and JEP-0080 (User Geolocation [21]).

5.3.1 Altitude

Altitude is a person's height or depth in relationship to sea level, where positive altitude is meters above sea level and negative altitude is meters below sea level.

The Data Forms field that represents altitude is "alt".

This field maps to:

Example 22. Altitude

<field var='alt'>
  <value>1609</value>
</field>
      

5.3.2 Latitude

Latitude is a person's latitude in relation to the equator, where positive latitude is north of the equator and negative latitude is south of the equator.

The Data Forms field that represents latitude is "lat".

This field maps to:

Example 23. Latitude

<field var='lat'>
  <value>39.75477</value>
</field>
      

5.3.3 Longitude

Longitude is a person's longitude in relation to the equator, where positive longitude is east of the meridian and negative longitude is west of the equator.

The Data Forms field that represents longitude is "lon".

This field maps to:

Example 24. Latitude

<field var='lon'>
  <value>-104.99768</value>
</field>
      

5.4 Telephony Address Data Aspects

5.4.1 Fax Number

A fax number is a number for a machine that handles fascimile transmissions.

The Data Forms fields that represent a fax number are "fax", "home_fax", and "work_fax" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 25. Fax Number

<field var='fax'>
  <value>303-308-3215</value>
</field>
      

5.4.2 Landline Telephone Number

A landline telephone number is a number for a traditional "PSTN" or "POTS" telephone.

The Data Forms fields that represent a landline telephone number are "landline", "home_landline", and "work_landline" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 26. Landline Telephone Number

<field var='landline_phone'>
  <value>303-308-3282</value>
</field>
      

5.4.3 Mobile Telephone Number

A mobile telephone number is a number for a mobile phone or cell phone on a wireless network.

The Data Forms fields that represent a mobile telephone number are "mobile", "home_mobile", and "work_mobile" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 27. Mobile Telephone Number

<field var='mobile_phone'>
  <value>303-555-1212</value>
</field>
      

5.4.4 Pager Number

A pager number is a number for a dedicated alphanumeric paging device.

The Data Forms fields that represent a pager number are "pager", "home_pager", and "work_pager" for generic addresses, home addresses, and work addresses respectively.

This field maps to:

Example 28. Pager Number

<field var='pager'>
  <value>303-555-1212</value>
</field>
      

5.4.5 SIP Address

A SIP address is a sip: or sips: URI at which a person can be contacted for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications.

The Data Forms field that represents a SIP address is "sip_address".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 29. SIP Address

<field var='sip_address'>
  <value>sip:stpeter@sipspeare.lit</value>
</field>
      

5.4.6 Skype Address

A Skype address is an address on the popular Skype system for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications.

The Data Forms field that represents a Skype address is "skype_address".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 30. Skype Address

<field var='skype_address'>
  <value>SomeSkypeUser</value>
</field>
      

5.4.7 Videophone Address

A videophone address is an address used for for H.323 video conferencing systems.

The Data Forms field that represents a videophone address is "video_phone".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 31. Videophone Address

<field var='video_phone'>
  <value>foo</value>
</field>
      

5.5 Electronic Address Data Aspects

5.5.1 AIM Screen Name

An AIM screen name is an address at which a person or other entity can be contacted on the AOL Instant Messenger service.

The Data Forms field that represents an AIM screen name is "aim_id".

This field maps to:

Example 32. AIM Screen Name

<field var='aim_id'>
  <value>psaintandre</value>
</field>
      

5.5.2 Email Address

An email address is the value of a mailto: URI at which a person or other entity can be contacted using standard electronic mail protocols.

The Data Forms field that represents longitude is "email".

This field maps to:

Example 33. Email address

<field var='email'>
  <value>stpeter@jabber.org</value>
  <value>stpeter@gmail.com</value>
</field>
      

5.5.3 ICQ Number

An ICQ number is an address at which a person or other entity can be contacted on the ICQ instant messaging service.

The Data Forms field that represents an ICQ number is "icq_id".

This field maps to:

Example 34. ICQ number

<field var='icq_id'>
  <value>70902454</value>
</field>
      

5.5.4 Jabber ID

A Jabber ID is the value of an xmpp: URI at which a person or other entity can be contacted over a Jabber/XMPP network.

The Data Forms field that represents a Jabber ID is "jid".

This field maps to:

Example 35. Jabber ID

<field var='jid'>
  <value>stpeter@jabber.org</value>
  <value>peter@saint-andre.com</value>
</field>
      

5.5.5 MSN Address

An MSN address is address at which a person or other entity can be contacted on the MSN instant messaging service.

The Data Forms field that represents an MSN address is "msn_id".

This field maps to:

Example 36. MSN Address

<field var='msn_id'>
  <value>petersaintandre@hotmail.com</value>
</field>
      

5.5.6 Yahoo ID

A Yahoo ID is address at which a person or other entity can be contacted on the Yahoo! Instant Messenger service.

The Data Forms field that represents a Yahoo ID is "yahoo_id".

This field maps to:

Example 37. Yahoo ID

<field var='yahoo_id'>
  <value>psaintandre</value>
</field>
      

5.6 World Wide Web Resource Aspects

5.6.1 Avatar URL

An avatar is an often fanciful representation of a user's desired self-image or persona (e.g., in the context of a game). An avatar is usually not intended to be an accurate picture of the user's actual physical appearance (that is handled by the photo_url and photo_data fields).

An avatar can come in two forms: the avatar data itself, or a URL for a avatar.

The Data Forms field that represents the URL for an avatar is "avatar_url".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 38. Avatar URL

<field var='avatar_url'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/images/stpeter_small.jpg</value>
</field>
      

5.6.2 Biographical URL

A biographical URL is the value of an http: URI at which can be found biographical information about a person.

The Data Forms field that represents a biographical URL is "bio".

Example 39. Biographical URL

<field var='bio'>
  <value>http://www.jabber.org/people/stpeter.shtml</value>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/me/</value>
</field>
      

5.6.3 FOAF URL

A FOAF URL is the value of an http: URI at which can be found a "friend of a friend" (FOAF) file about a person or entity.

The Data Forms field that represents a FOAF URL is "foaf_url".

Example 40. FOAF URL

<field var='foaf_url'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/me/foaf.rdf</value>
</field>
      

5.6.4 Homepage URL

A homepage URL is the value of an http: URI that is the default resource on the World Wide Web for a person or other entity.

The Data Forms field that represents a homepage URL is "homepage".

This field maps to:

Example 41. Homepage URL

<field var='homepage'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/</value>
</field>
      

5.6.5 Photo URL

A photograph provides a pictorial representation of a person. Sometimes also called a "mugshot".

A photograph can come in two forms: the photo data itself (see below) or a URL for a photograph (e.g., the vCard PHOTO element can represent either, while the FOAF depiction and FOAF img can represent only a URL). The Data Forms field specified here identifies a URL for a photograph, not the data itself.

The Data Forms field that represents the URL for a photograph is "photo_url".

This field maps to:

Example 42. Photo URL

<field var='photo_url'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/images/stpeter.jpg</value>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/images/stpeter_hell.jpg</value>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/images/stpeter_oscon.jpg</value>
</field>
      

5.6.6 Publications URL

A publications URL is the value of an http: URI at which can be found the list of a person's published writings.

The Data Forms field that represents a publications URL is "publications".

This field maps to:

Example 43. Publications URL

<field var='publications'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/thoughts/publications.html</value>
</field>
      

5.6.7 Resume URL

A resume URL is the value of an http: URI at which can be found a person's resume or curriculum vitae.

The Data Forms field that represents a resume URL is "resume".

Example 44. Resume URL

<field var='resume'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/work/</value>
</field>
      

5.6.8 Status URL

A status URL is the value of an http: URI that specifies the current status of a person or other entity (e.g., a person's online presence or a server's uptime).

The Data Forms field that represents a homepage URL is "status_url".

Example 45. Status URL

<field var='status_url'>
  <value>http://status.jabber.org/</value>
</field>
      

5.6.9 Organizational URL

An organizational URL is the value of an http: URI that specifies the homepage for an organization or employer.

The Data Forms field that represents an organizational URL is "org_url".

This field maps to:

Example 46. Organizational URL

<field var='org_url'>
  <value>http://www.jabber.org/</value>
</field>
      

5.6.10 Weblog URL

A weblog URL is the value of an http: URI at which a person or other entity maintains a weblog.

The Data Forms field that represents a weblog URL is "weblog".

This field maps to:

Example 47. Weblog URL

<field var='weblog'>
  <value>http://www.saint-andre.com/blog/</value>
</field>
      

5.7 Organizational Data Aspects

5.7.1 Alternative Contact

It may be appropriate to list others who can be contacted if the individual is not available.

Example 48. Alternative Contact

<field var='alt_contact'>
  <value>xmpp:peter@jabber.org</value>
</field>
      

5.7.2 Assistant

In some organizations, a person may be assisted by another individual.

The Data Forms field that represents an assistant is "assistant".

This field maps to:

Example 49. Assistant

<field var='assistant'>
  <value>Peter Pan</value>
</field>
      

5.7.3 Job Title

A job title is the official name of a person's position within an organization.

The Data Forms field that represents a job title is "job_title".

This field maps to:

Example 50. Job Title

<field var='job_title'>
  <value>Executive Director</value>
</field>
      

5.7.4 Manager

In most organizations, a person is managed by or reports to another individual (often not exposed outside the organization).

The Data Forms field that represents a manager is "manager".

This field maps to:

Example 51. Manager

<field var='manager'>
  <value>William Shakespeare</value>
</field>
      

5.7.5 Organizational Name

An organizational name is the official name of an organization (company, school, etc.) within which a person works.

The Data Forms field that represents the name of an organization is "org_name".

This field maps to:

Example 52. Organizational Name

<field var='org_name'>
  <value>Jabber Software Foundation</value>
</field>
      

5.7.6 Organizational Role

An organizational role describes a person's profession or how a person contributes within an organization.

The Data Forms field that represents an organizational role is "org_role".

This field maps to:

Example 53. Organizational Role

<field var='org_role'>
  <value>Patron Saint</value>
  <value>Chief Evangelist</value>
  <value>Glorified Tech Writer</value>
</field>
      

5.7.7 Organizational Unit

An organizational unit is the name of part (subsidiary, department, etc.) of an organization.

The Data Forms field that represents an organizational unit is "org_unit".

This field maps to:

Example 54. Organizational Unit

<field var='org_unit'>
  <value>Jabber Council</value>
</field>
      

5.7.8 System Username

Usually a person has a system or network username within an organization (usually not exposed outside the organization).

The Data Forms field that represents such a username is "system_username".

This field maps to:

Example 55. System Username

<field var='system_username'>
  <value>psaintandre</value>
</field>
      

5.7.9 Teams

People often work in teams. Sometimes it can be helpful to list those teams.

The Data Forms field that represents a work team is "teams".

Example 56. Teams

<field var='teams'>
  <value>Infrastructure Team</value>
  <value>Jabber Council</value>
</field>
      

5.7.10 Workstation Address

Often a person has a dedicated workstation address or name within an organization (usually not exposed outside the organization).

The Data Forms field that represents such a username is "workstation".

Example 57. Workstation Address

<field var='workstation'>
  <value>squire</value>
</field>
      

5.8 Basic Personal Data Aspects

These data fields are not necessarily permanent, but do not tend to change very often if at all.

5.8.1 Birth Day-of-Month

A birth day-of-month is the day of the month in which a person was born. (Note: This data field is not what in English is usually referred to as a person's "birthday", i.e. the year+month+day on which the person was born; the "birthday" is split into three data fields in order to protect personal privacy, since a given individual might want to disclose his or her birth year, birth month, birth day-of-month, or some combination thereof but not all three.)

The Data Forms field that represents a birth day-of-month is "birth_dayofmonth".

When combined with other birthday-related fields, this field maps to:

Example 58. Birth Day-of-Month

<field var='birth_dayofmonth'>
  <value>06</value>
</field>
      

5.8.2 Birth Month

A birth month is the month of the year in which a person was born.

The Data Forms field that represents a birth month is "birth_month".

When combined with other birthday-related fields, this field maps to:

Example 59. Birth Month

<field var='birth_month'>
  <value>08</value>
</field>
      

5.8.3 Birth Year

A birth year is the year in which a person was born.

The Data Forms field that represents a birth year is "birth_year".

When combined with other birthday-related fields, this field maps to:

Example 60. Birth Year

<field var='birth_year'>
  <value>1966</value>
</field>
      

5.8.4 Description

It can be helpful to provide a natural-language description of a person.

The Data Forms field that represents a description of a person is "description".

This field maps to:

Example 61. Description

<field var='description'>
  <value>I'm a Jabber fanatic.</value>
</field>
      

5.8.5 Eye Color

Some people may want to know the color of a person's eyes. The allowable or recommended values for this field are not specified.

The Data Forms field that represents a person's eye color is "eye_color".

Example 62. Eye Color

<field var='eye_color'>
  <value>blue</value>
</field>
      

5.8.6 Gender

Gender is the self-defined gender of a person (this is not limited to "male" and "female", although those are the expected values in most instances). Sometimes also called "sex" or "gender identification".

The Data Forms field that represents a person's gender is "gender".

This field maps to:

Example 63. Gender

<field var='gender'>
  <value>male</value>
</field>
      

5.8.7 Hair Color

Some people may want to know the color of a person's hair (if any). The allowable or recommended values for this field are not specified.

The Data Forms field that represents a person's hair color is "hair_color".

Example 64. Hair Color

<field var='hair_color'>
  <value>none</value>
</field>
      

5.8.8 Height

Some people may want to know a person's height. This SHOULD be expressed in centimeters (which can be transformed into other units if necessary by a client).

The Data Forms field that represents a person's height is "height".

Example 65. Height

<field var='height'>
  <value>178</value>
</field>
      

5.8.9 Weight

Yes, it is a sensitive topic, but some people may want to know a person's weight. This SHOULD be expressed in kilograms (which can be transformed into other units if necessary by a client).

The Data Forms field that represents a person's weight is "weight".

Example 66. Weight

<field var='weight'>
  <value>75</value>
</field>
      

5.9 Extended Personal Data Aspects

5.9.1 Areas of Expertise

An area of expertise is a subject in which a person has a great deal of knowledge.

The Data Forms field that represents an area of expertise is "expertise".

Example 67. Areas of Expertise

<field var='expertise'>
  <value>Jabber</value>
  <value>XMPP</value>
</field>
      

5.9.2 Avatar Data

An avatar is an often fanciful representation of a user's desired self-image or persona (e.g., in the context of a game). An avatar is usually not intended to be an accurate picture of the user's actual physical appearance (that is handled by the photo_url and photo_data fields).

An avatar can come in two forms: the avatar data itself, or a URL for a avatar.

The Data Forms field that represents avatar data is "avatar_data".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 68. Avatar Data

<field var='avatar_data'>
  <value>base64-encoded-image-data</value>
</field>
      

5.9.3 Dietary Preferences

Some people have dietary preferences (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, peanut allergy, no shellfish, etc.).

The Data Forms field that represents dietary preferences is "dietary_preferences".

Example 69. Dietary Preferences

<field var='dietary_preferences'>
  <value>none</value>
</field>
      

5.9.4 Hobbies

A hobby is a non-work activity that a person enjoys pursuing. Also called an "avocation".

The Data Forms field that represents a hobby is "hobby".

Example 70. Some Hobbies

<field var='hobby'>
  <value>guitar</value>
  <value>songwriting</value>
  <value>blogging</value>
  <value>reading</value>
  <value>hiking</value>
</field>
      

5.9.5 Interests

An interest a thing that a person cares about or is curious about. It is, generally, less active than a hobby.

The Data Forms field that represents an interest is "interest".

Example 71. Some Interests

<field var='interest'>
  <value>history</value>
  <value>baseball</value>
  <value>economics</value>
</field>
      

5.9.6 Languages Known Less Well

Some people know more than one language, but less than well (e.g., the person may not be able to speak fluently). The definition of "less well" is left to the user.

The value of this field MUST be an abbreviation for a language as specified in RFC 3066 [22].

The Data Forms field that represents a language known less that well is "languages_lesswell".

Example 72. Languages Known Less than Well

<field var='languages_lesswell'>
  <value>cz</value>
  <value>de</value>
  <value>nl</value>
</field>
      

5.9.7 Languages Known Well

Everyone knows at least one language well (e.g., they are able to speak or write the language with a fair degree of fluency). Determination of whether someone knows a language "well" or "fluently" is left to the user.

The value of this field MUST be an abbreviation for a language as specified in RFC 3066.

The Data Forms field that represents a language known well is "languages_well".

This field maps to:

Example 73. Languages Known Well

<field var='languages_well'>
  <value>en</value>
</field>
      

5.9.8 Marital Status

Human beings often get married, sometimes get divorced, become widowed, etc.

The Data Forms field that represents whether a person's marital status is "marital_status".

Example 74. Marital Status

<field var='marital_status'>
  <value>married</value>
</field>
      

5.9.9 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

A Myers-Briggs type indicator is four-letter acronym that is a popular way to characterize different personality types.

The Data Forms field that represents a Myers-Briggs type indicator is "mbti".

This field maps to:

Example 75. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

<field var='mbti'>
  <value>INTP</value>
</field>
      

5.9.10 Photo Data

A photo provides a pictorial representation of a person. Sometimes also called a "mugshot".

A photo can come in two forms: the photo data itself, or a URL for a photo (e.g., the vCard PHOTO element can represent either, while the FOAF depiction and FOAF img can represent only a URL).

The Data Forms field that represents photo data is "photo_data".

This field maps to:

Example 76. Photo Data

<field var='photo_data'>
  <value>base64-encoded-image-data</value>
</field>
      

5.9.11 Profession

A profession is what a person does for his or her primary employment. Also known as a "vocation". The allowable or recommended values for this field are not specified.

The Data Forms field that represents a profession is "profession".

Example 77. A Profession

<field var='profession'>
  <value>software engineer</value>
</field>
      

5.9.12 Religious Affiliation

Many people feel affiliated with a religious belief system.

The Data Forms field that represents a religious affiliation is "religion".

Example 78. Religious Affiliation

<field var='religion'>
  <value>none</value>
</field>
      

5.9.13 Sexual Orientation

The allowable or recommended values for this field are not specified.

The Data Forms field that represents a person's sexual orientation is "sexual_orientation".

Example 79. Sexual Orientation

<field var='sexual_orientation'>
  <value>straight</value>
</field>
      

5.9.14 Smoker

Some people smoke tobacco in various forms (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.).

The Data Forms field that represents whether a person smokes is "smoker".

Example 80. Smoker

<field var='smoker'>
  <value>no</value>
</field>
      

5.9.15 Wishlist

A wishlist is a list of items that a person would like to receive as gifts.

The Data Forms field that represents a wishlist is "wishlist".

Example 81. Wishlist

<field var='wishlist'>
  <value>A Mini Cooper</value>
</field>
      

5.9.16 Zodiac Sign (Chinese)

A Chinese zodiac sign denotes the type of year in which a person was born according to the Chinese calendar (e.g., the year of the dragon).

The Data Forms field that represents a Chinese zodiac sign is "zodiac_chinese".

Example 82. Zodiac Sign (Chinese)

<field var='zodiac_chinese'>
  <value>horse</value>
</field>
      

5.9.17 Zodiac Sign (Western)

A Western zodiac sign is that part of the astrological belt under which a person was born; each sign is named after one of the constellations.

The Data Forms field that represents a Western zodiac sign is "zodiac_western".

Example 83. Zodiac Sign (Western)

<field var='zodiac_western'>
  <value>Leo</value>
</field>
      

5.10 Security Data Aspects

Some people have PGP keys, X.509 certificates, and the like.

5.10.1 PGP Key

The ASCII armored output of a PGP key.

The Data Forms field that represents a PGP key is "pgpkey".

This field maps to:

Example 84. PGP Key

<field var='pgpkey'>
  <value>
-----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (Darwin)
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=ZRIc
-----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----
  </value>
</field>
      

5.10.2 PGP Key Fingerprint

The fingerprint (hashed value) of a PGP key.

The Data Forms field that represents a PGP fingerprint is "pgp_fingerprint".

Example 85. PGP Fingerprint

<field var='pgp_fingerprint'>
  <value>E5CA EAE7 C8D6 CFE2 6D7A  8653 5985 8964 D705 12AC</value>
</field>
      

5.10.3 PGP Key ID

The ID of a PGP key.

The Data Forms field that represents a PGP key ID is "pgpkey_id".

Example 86. PGP Key ID

<field var='pgpkey_id'>
  <value>D70512AC</value>
</field>
      

5.10.4 X.509 Fingerprint (MD5)

The fingerprint of an X.509 certificate, hashed using MD5.

The Data Forms field representing such a value is "x509_fingerprint_md5".

Example 87. X.509 Fingerprint (MD5)

<field var='x509_fingerprint_md5'>
  <value>5D 41 20 54 7C 90 49 A1 78 36 07 29 75 9B A7 D0</value>
</field>
      

5.10.5 X.509 Fingerprint (SHA-1)

The fingerprint of an X.509 certificate, hashed using SHA-1.

The Data Forms field representing such a value is "x509_fingerprint_sha1".

Example 88. X.509 Fingerprint (SHA-1)

<field var='x509_fingerprint_sha1'>
  <value>C3 88 33 27 F3 47 3B 8B 07 71 3E 96 44 A7 EE E2 E0 50 4A 5B</value>
</field>
      

5.11 Personal Favorites

Most people have favorite movies, authors, TV shows, musical artists, foods, games, etc.

5.11.1 Favorite Authors

The Data Forms field that represents favorite authors is "fav_authors".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 89. Favorite Authors

<field var='fav_authors'>
  <value>Jacob Bronowski</value>
  <value>Friedrich Nietzsche</value>
  <value>Carroll Quigley</value>
  <value>Yevgeny Zamyatin</value>
</field>
      

5.11.2 Favorite Athletes

The Data Forms field that represents favorite athletes is "fav_athletes".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 90. Favorite Athletes

<field var='fav_athletes'>
  <value>Lance Armstrong</value>
  <value>Andre Agassiz</value>
</field>
      

5.11.3 Favorite Charities

The Data Forms field that represents favorite charities is "fav_charities".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 91. Favorite Charities

<field var='fav_charities'>
  <value>Amnesty International</value>
  <value>Institute for Justice</value>
</field>
      

5.11.4 Favorite Chatrooms

The Data Forms field that represents favorite chatrooms is "fav_chatrooms".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 92. Favorite Chatrooms

<field var='fav_chatrooms'>
  <value>jabber@conference.jabber.org</value>
  <value>jdev@conference.jabber.org</value>
</field>
      

5.11.5 Favorite Drinks

The Data Forms field that represents favorite drinks is "fav_drinks".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 93. Favorite Drinks

<field var='fav_drinks'>
  <value>Guinness</value>
</field>
      

5.11.6 Favorite Foods

The Data Forms field that represents favorite foods is "fav_foods".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 94. Favorite Foods

<field var='fav_foods'>
  <value>Thai</value>
  <value>Mexican</value>
  <value>Italian</value>
</field>
      

5.11.7 Favorite Games

The Data Forms field that represents favorite games is "fav_games".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 95. Favorite Games

<field var='fav_games'>
  <value>chess</value>
</field>
      

5.11.8 Favorite Movies

The Data Forms field that represents favorite movies is "fav_movies".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 96. Favorite Movies

<field var='fav_movies'>
  <value>In Search of Bobby Fischer</value>
  <value>Strictly Ballroom</value>
  <value>The Truth About Cats and Dogs</value>
  <value>Ray</value>
</field>
      

5.11.9 Favorite Music

The Data Forms field that represents favorite music is "fav_music".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 97. Favorite Music

<field var='fav_music'>
  <value>J.S. Bach</value>
  <value>Duke Ellington</value>
  <value>Mellow Candle</value>
  <value>Yes</value>
</field>
      

5.11.10 Favorite Quotes

A quote is a phrase or saying that a person identifies with in some way. According to the 2004 Pew Internet survey on instant messaging, quotes represent the most popular item to include in online profiles on major consumer-oriented instant messaging services.

The Data Forms field that represents favorite quotes is "fav_quotes".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 98. Favorite Quotes

<field var='fav_quotes'>
  <value>I am large, I contain multitudes.</value>
  <value>&quot;Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.&quot; --Henri Bergson</value>
  <value>One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.</value>
</field>
      

5.11.11 Favorite Sports Teams

The Data Forms field that represents favorite sports teams is "fav_teams".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 99. Favorite Sports Teams

<field var='fav_teams'>
  <value>New York Yankees</value>
  <value>Colorado Rockies</value>
</field>
      

5.11.12 Favorite TV Shows

The Data Forms field that represents favorite TV shows is "fav_tv".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 100. Favorite TV Shows

<field var='fav_tv'>
  <value>Antiques Road Show</value>
</field>
      

5.12 Personal History

5.12.1 Places Lived

Some people move around a lot.

The Data Forms field that represents places lived is "places_lived".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 101. Places Lived

<field var='places_lived'>
  <value>Denver, Colorado, USA</value>
  <value>New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA</value>
  <value>Maplewood, New Jersey, USA</value>
  <value>Atlanta, Georgia, USA</value>
  <value>Fairfax, Virginia, USA</value>
  <value>Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic</value>
  <value>New York City</value>
  <value>Readfield, Maine, USA</value>
  <value>Sea Cliff, NY, USA</value>
</field>
      

5.12.2 Schools Attended

The Data Forms field that represents schools attended is "schools".

This field does not map to data in vCard or any other profile representation format.

Example 102. Schools Attended

<field var='schools'>
  <value>Columbia University</value>
  <value>American Renaissance School</value>
  <value>Maranacook Community School</value>
</field>
      

6. Security Considerations

Profile data can be personally significant and even security critical. Due care should be taken in determining who shall have access to such information. However, this proposal merely defines the data formats for profile data; mechanisms for controlling access to such data will be defined in a separate proposal.

7. IANA Considerations

This JEP requires no interaction with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) [23].

8. Jabber Registrar Considerations

8.1 Field Standardization

To follow.


Notes

1. JEP-0054: vcard-temp <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0054.html>.

2. RFC 2426: vCard MIME Directory Profile <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2426.txt>.

3. For links to the experimental XML representation of vCard, see JEP-0054.

4. See <http://xml.coverpages.org/xnal.html>.

5. OASIS is a not-for-profit, international consortium that drives the development, convergence and adoption of e-business standards. For further information, see <http://www.oasis-open.org/>.

6. Friend of a Friend (FOAF) <http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/>.

7. JEP-0004: Data Forms <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0004.html>.

8. JEP-0068: Field Data Standardization for Data Forms <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0068.html>.

9. The extensibility requirement is critically important, because it would be best if the protocol specified herein could be used to represent data used within specialized communities. Examples of such communities include dating services, multiplayer gaming networks, IM services provided by portals and ISPs, and expert-location systems within large corporations. While such communities might use part or all of some common set of data fields (such as fields that map to familiar vCard elements), each community might also want to represent quite disparate kinds of information (dating criteria, favorite games, contact preferences, areas of expertise, and the like). Furthermore, data might be used to profile network actors that are not persons (e.g., bots, services, and other software agents). Therefore, the ideal proposal will provide an extensible framework for representing profile data and will not limit itself to representing the relatively small set of data fields covered by the vCard format.

10. JEP-0080: User Geolocation <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0080.html>.

11. JEP-0112: User Physical Location <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0112.html>.

12. Resource Description Framework (RDF) <http://www.w3.org/RDF/>.

13. JEP-0134: Protocol Design Guidelines <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0134.html>.

14. JEP-0120: Infobits <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0120.html>.

15. The Jabber Registrar maintains a list of reserved Jabber protocol namespaces as well as registries of parameters used in the context of protocols approved by the Jabber Software Foundation. For further information, see <http://www.jabber.org/registrar/>.

16. Alternatively, specialized applications MAY define separate FORM_TYPEs for their particular data elements.

17. RFC 2252: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (v3): Attribute Syntax Definitions <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2252.txt>.

18. RFC 2256: A Summary of the X.500(96) User Schema for use with LDAPv3 <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2256.txt>.

19. RFC 2798: Definition of the inetOrgPerson LDAP Object Class <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2798.txt>.

20. JEP-0112: User Physical Location <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0112.html>.

21. JEP-0080: User Geolocation <http://www.jabber.org/jeps/jep-0080.html>.

22. RFC 3066: Tags for the Identification of Languages <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3066.txt>.

23. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is the central coordinator for the assignment of unique parameter values for Internet protocols, such as port numbers and URI schemes. For further information, see <http://www.iana.org/>.


Revision History

Version 0.3 (2005-11-11)

Added postaladdress, fav_chatrooms, alt_contact, teams; added various security-related fields. (psa)

Version 0.2 (2005-07-25)

Added mappings to common LDAP schemas. (psa)

Version 0.1 (2005-06-16)

Initial JEP version. (psa)

Version 0.0.5 (2005-06-13)

Defined how to handle vCard types such as home vs. work addresses. (psa)

Version 0.0.4 (2005-04-07)

Reworked field standardization; added support for telephony addresses, electronic addresses, and organizational data. (psa)

Version 0.0.3 (2005-03-11)

Added open issues. (psa)

Version 0.0.2 (2005-01-06)

Explained requirements and design decisions in more detail, especially with regard to extensibility; split photo into two elements (data and URL). (psa)

Version 0.0.1 (2004-11-10)

First draft. (psa)


END