1.3 Overview

This protocol enables a protocol client to manage the messages that users configure to be sent by the server automatically in response to incoming e-mail when the users are away from the office or otherwise unable to respond immediately. The protocol client can set messages for both internal and external e-mail correspondents, start and stop sending OOF messages, and schedule the messages so that they are enabled for a specific duration.

This protocol defines the interaction between a client and a server that configures OOF settings and OOF messages for users. The conditions under which the OOF messages are sent are determined by the OOF settings.

Additionally, the protocol client can configure how calendar events are handled during the period of time that a user is way: automatically decline incoming meetings, decline existing meetings, and create an OOF event in the user’s calendar.