While researching and testing my current "push" mail solution, ChatterEmail, I kept finding references to the IMAP Idle command. I searched through my Server and Messaging Configuration Documents looking for a setting to turn on IMAP idle.
Nothing.
A search turned up this blog entry:
Not so sure about Chatter ... from 2004. (Thanks for that, Rob!)
A late comment to that blog post, dated April 2006, told me that the Domino 7.0 Server didn't have IMAP idle. A quick run through the IBM TechNotes proved that to be true. Even the fix lists for the subsequent Domino Release 7 Fix Packs have no information on IMAP idle. Since this is a published RFC (RFC 2177 dated 1997):
The Internet Message Access Protocol [IMAP4] requires a client to poll the server for changes to the selected mailbox (new mail, deletions). It's often more desirable to have the server transmit updates to the client in real time. This allows a user to see new mail immediately. It also helps some real-time applications based on IMAP, which might otherwise need to poll extremely often (such as every few seconds). (While the spec actually does allow a server to push EXISTS responses asynchronously, a client can't expect this behaviour and must poll.)
I hope that some future release of Domino will include it.
So, while I do have IMAP access to my Notes mail on my Treo, it isn't a perfect synchronization, nor is it active like on a Blackberry. But it works and it is serviceable. Other, less patient people than I would probably have found another solution to fill their needs. If you are looking for access to your Notes mail, using IMAP, you will need to know about the idle command. Especially if you are deploying a wireless synch product.
Which brings me to two final thoughts:
First, when will the Domino server get some love? A "feature," like IMAP idle, is core to many other IMAP servers but the one that I care about. There are other things missing in the Domino server, too. Some of the things could be considered "core," others would bring the Domino server in line with Year 2008 expectations (and beyond). I understand that the Notes client needed some work, and we were rewarded for waiting. But when will the Domino server get a much needed "update?"
Second, IdeaJam was given another idea.
Technorati tag: SnTT Show-n-Tell Thursday IdeaJam IMAP
Comment posted by Craig Wiseman01/18/2008 09:00:50 AM
Homepage: http://www.wiseman.la/cpw
This is a feature the iPhone folks want as well. IBM's focus has been on the 'collaboration' part of N/D of late, hopefully we'll see a focus on the 'mail' part soon as well.
Nice to see a PalmOS user! While you're at ideajam, vote for Sametime for PalmOS, too: http://ideajam.net/IdeaJam/P/ij.nsf/0/0DD0689B81B5C2D3862573A9004E5B9A?OpenDocument
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred01/18/2008 10:31:04 AM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Craig: I added my vote "For" your idea.
Comment posted by Craig Wiseman01/18/2008 12:32:11 PM
Homepage: http://www.wiseman.la/cpw
I would have sworn I'd promoted your IDLE idea before, but now I have.
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