The 'LEMONADE' group is an IETF working group producing extensions to the popular open standard IMAP and SMTP mail protocols to optimize them for use on limited bandwidth and restricted storage devices such as mobile phones. Google have recently enabled IMAP access to their popular GMail service.
LEMONADE Profile 1 (the first set of
approved extensions) was published as an internet standard in June
2006 and enabled functionality (like
push email, forward without download and efficient re-connection and
synchronization) designed to maximize utility whilst minimizing bandwidth usage (and
therefore costs), providing a better user email experience through performance
efficiencies.
The second LEMONADE interoperability event, taking place in Munich, Germany on November 19th/20th, is a forum for developers of servers and clients that support the LEMONADE extensions.
With more and more email service providers now offering IMAP access to personal and corporate mail accounts and the increasing use of mobile devices to access email (a scenario in which IMAP excels), use of IMAP is set to increase dramatically over the next few years.
The continuing work of the Lemonade group ensures that the IMAP protocol continues to be the preferred access protocol for those looking to access email from multiple devices and multiple locations.
Client and server developers interested in attending the interoperability event in person or participating remotely should email info@lemonadeformobiles.com
