The Atom Project
Last Modified: 2004-04-12
Chair(s):
Sam Ruby <rubys@intertwingly.net>
Tim Bray <tbray@textuality.com>
Applications Area Director(s):
Ted Hardie <hardie@qualcomm.com>
Scott Hollenbeck <sah@428cobrajet.net>
Applications Area Advisor:
Scott Hollenbeck <sah@428cobrajet.net>
Mailing Lists:
General Discussion: atom-syntax@imc.org
To Subscribe: atom-syntax-request@imc.org
In Body: subscribe
Archive: http://www.imc.org/atom-syntax/mail-archive/
Description of Working Group:
Atom defines a feed format for representing and a protocol for editing Web resources such as Weblogs, online journals, Wikis, and similar content. The feed format enables syndication; that is, provision of a channel of information by representing multiple resources in a single document. The editing protocol enables agents to interact with resources by nominating a way of using existing Web standards in a pattern.
Atom consists of:
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A conceptual model of a resource
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A concrete syntax for this model
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A syndication and archiving format (the Atom Feed Format) using this syntax
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An editing protocol using this syntax
The format must be able to represent:
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a resource that is a Weblog entry or article (e.g., it has an author, date, identifier, and content)
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a feed or channel of entries, with or without enclosed content
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a complete archive of all entries in a feed
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existing well-formed XML (especially XHTML) content
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additional information in an user-extensible manner
The editing protocol must enable:
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creating, editing, and deleting feed entries
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multiple authors for a feed
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multiple subjects or categories in a feed
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user authentication
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adding, editing, and deleting users
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setting and getting user preferences
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creating, getting and setting related resources such as comments, templates, etc.
The working group will use experience gained with RSS (variably used as a name by itself and as an acronym for "RDF Site Summary", "Rich Site Summary", or "Really Simple Syndication") as the basis for a standards-track document specifying the model, syntax, and feed format. The feed format and HTTP will be used as the basis of work on a standards-track document specifying the editing protocol. If other submissions are made to the working group under terms accepted by the IETF, the working group may consider them as alternatives, based upon their merits.
The Working Group will also take steps to ensure interoperability, by:
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unambiguously identifying required elements in formats
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clearly nominating conformance levels for different types of software
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providing clear extensibility mechanisms and constraints upon them
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holding at least one interoperability event
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describing how one migrates from the various RSS versions to the Atom syndication feed format
The Working Group's primary focus will be on delivering an interoperable format and corresponding protocol; it is expected that all but the most basic, generic metadata and functions will be accommodated through extensions, rather than in the core documents.
Goals and Milestones
Aug 04 | First meeting, 60th IETF |
Sept 04 | First Atom Feed Format Working Group Internet Draft |
Sept 04 | First Atom API Working Group Internet Draft |
Nov 04 | Hold Atom interoperability event |
Mar 05 | Request Last Call for Atom Feed Format |
Mar 05 | Request Last Call for Atom API |
Apr 05 | Submit Atom Feed Format to IESG for consideration as a Proposed Standard |
Apr 05 | Submit Atom API to IESG for consideration as a Proposed Standard |
Internet Drafts
TBD