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Microsoft Opening Up Outlook's PST Format for Developers


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Bolt_Gundam510

by Paul Lilly

According to Microsoft, the Redmond company has taken several steps over the past year toward increased openness and document interoperability, so it shouldn't come as much surprise that they're now focusing on Outlook.

More specifically, the software outfit wants to improve platform-independent access to email, calendar, contacts, and other data contained in the Personal Folders (PST) file every Outlook user is familiar with. Towards that end, Microsoft said it plans to release documentation for the .pst format.

"This will allow developers to read, create, and interoperate with the data in .pst files in server and client scenarios using the programming language and platform of their choice," Microsoft wrote on its Interoperability@Microsoft blog.

Microsoft went on to say that the technical documentation will reveal how data is stored, along with instructions on how to access the data from other software apps. In addition, it will also detail the structure of the .pst file and show developers how they can navigate the folder hierarchy.

It's unknown when the document, which is still in its early stages, will be released. When it's ready, Microsoft said it will be released under its Open Specification Promise, "which will allow anyone to implement the .pst file format on any platform and in any tool, without concerns about patents."

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