Microsoft Outlook Generic Messaging Service for Cloud Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Free/Busy (using CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP)
Outlook has finally been extended to allow Calendar, Tasks, Free/Busy, and Global Address List support against leading messaging providers.
This fills a functional void, allowing Outlook users to connect with non-Exchange systems to access the rich messaging and collaboration. Unlike typical Outlook Add-ins, this is a full service provider for Outlook, providing the highest level of Outlook integration.
Outlook users can now leverage this and access more messaging platforms with significant functionality (including platforms like iCloud, Yahoo, Zimbra, etc). Protocols like CalDAV and CardDAV are used by most messaging service providers because of their open/non-proprietary origins. The majority of the messaging platforms in the world are comprised of systems that use open protocols (like CalDAV, CardDAV and IMAP).
The functionality was recently announced by ARPDev Pty. Ltd. and is currently available as platform preview.
"There are some great things on the horizon - like cross platform sharing and collaboration. We have relationships with some innovative organisations that are committed to positive change.", explains Andrew Sproul, ARPDev.
More information on the connector is available from the ARPDev web site. The connector is available at no cost for non-commercial use.