This document lists the various VPIM email address formats that are
currently in common use and defines several new address formats for
special case usage. Requirements are imposed on the formats of
addresses used in VPIM submission mode
[VPIM2] does not place any restrictions on the email address format.
However, it does recommend the use of a numeric LHS since many legacy
voice mail systems only use digits to identify mailboxes. Further,
it recommends a structure to handle private, international and
extensions. The private format has become deployed in most existing
VPIM v2 systems, further some systems will only accept messages from
addresses with a numeric LHS.
[IVM] does not describe addressing at all. The LHS format is left to
the discretion of the mailbox owner. However, it is useful in some
cases (like submission or tunneling) to specify a LHS format. A
format based on GSTN addressing [GSTN] is presented.
This document defines the various recipient (i.e., TO) addresses for
VPIM and IVM messages.
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
"SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this
document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119 [RFC2119].
"LHS" as used in this document is to be interpreted as the left side
of the "@" in an email address. It is defined as "local-part" in
RFC-2822.
"RHS" as used in this document is to be interpreted as the right side
of the "@" in an email address. It is defined as "domain" in RFC-
2822.
Parsons Standards Track [Page 2]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
This is defined in section 4.1.1 of [VPIM2] and [VPIMV2R2]. Of the
four groups of addresses defined, the mailbox number format is the
most commonly used in VPIM v2 systems.
Example: 6137637582@nortelnetworks.com
VPIM places no restrictions on the form of the Internet address.
VPIM systems must be capable of receiving an arbitrary email address
and generating a reply to that address. No inferences about the
structure of the local part (LHS) should be necessary.
Recipients email addresses must be created in a form compatible with
the recipients system and consistent with the address entry
capabilities of a telephone user interface.
The following sections use formal syntax compliant with RFC 2234,
"Augmented BNF for Syntax Specifications: ABNF".
A gateway translates between dissimilar environments. For VPIM, a
gateway connects between the VPIM profile of Internet mail and other
voice mail networking protocols (including voice call answer and
delivery). These may be proprietary or standard (like AMIS [AMIS-
A]). VPIM gateways typically service multiple voice mail users or,
in the case of call answer, service only one. In the former case,
they serve as a classic "mail transfer agent" (MTA) and in the latter
as a classic "mail user agent" (UA).
An onramp is a gateway which connects from another voice mail
networking protocol to VPIM. An offramp is a gateway which connects
from VPIM to another voice mail networking protocol. Behavior of
onramps and offramps is out of scope for this specification.
This specification describes the VPIM service portion of onramp and
offramp addressing.
Limited capability voice mail machines may send messages by default
to an external message submission gateway. These gateways will
convert the unresolved telephone number of the recipient into a
Parsons Standards Track [Page 3]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
legitimate email address. Messages requiring address resolution must
be sent to a submission system which will convert the submitted
address into the route-able email address.
Additionally, limited capability email systems may send messages to a
VPIM onramp system indicated on the RHS. The LHS would indicate that
the message is to be sent as a VPIM message to the telephone number
indicated. In this case, address and message translation is
performed by the gateway.
Telephone numbers sent in a VPIM submission mode MUST be sent in one
of the following forms.
This is based on the format defined in [GSTN-ADDR] and extensions in
[GSTN].
For voice messages that are intended to be sent as VPIM messages the
service-selector element is defined to be:
vpim-service-selector = "VPIM"
The resultant vpim-address and vpim-mbox are formally
vpim-address = vpim-mbox
[ pstn-recipient ]
vpim-mbox = [ "VPIM=" ] ( global-phone / local-phone )
[ sub-addr-spec ext-addr-spec dl-addr-spec]
dl-addr-spec = "/DL=" sub-addr
;note that "/DL=" is case INSENSITIVE
ext-addr-spec = [ ext-sep sub-addr ]
ext-sep = ( "/EXT=" / "+" )
; note that "/EXT=" is case INSENSITIVE
; "+" is used for compatibility with current
; VPIM v2 addressing
For clarity, here is an example of a very simple vpim-mbox:
VPIM=6137637582
The extension syntax, that is a phone number followed by "/EXT="
defining the extension, would be used where the mailbox does not have
a direct dial number associated with it (e.g., typically behind a
non-ISDN PBX). For example:
Parsons Standards Track [Page 4]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
VPIM=7035255550/EXT=227
The distribution list syntax, that is a phone number followed by
"/DL=" defining the list, would be used to refer to a distribution
list associated with the phone number (with or without an extension).
For example:
VPIM=+14165977230/DL=93
For voice messages that are intended to be sent as a voice outdialing
at the destination system, the service-selector element is defined to
be:
voice-service-selector = "VOICE"
The resultant voice-address and voice-mbox are formally
voice-address = voice-mbox
[ pstn-recipient ]
voice-mbox = "VOICE=" ( global-phone / local-phone )
[ sub-addr-spec ] [post-sep post-dial]
For more clarity, here is an example of a very simple voice-mbox:
VOICE=+3940226338
For voice messages that are intended to be sent as AMIS (Audio
Messaging Interchange Specification) voice mail messages (as defined
in [AMIS-A] and [AMIS-D]), the service-selector element is defined to
be:
amis-service-selector = "AMIS"
The resultant amis-address and amis-mbox are formally
amis-address = amis-mbox
amis-mbox = "AMIS=" amis-mailbox
[ "/SYSNUM=" amis-sysnum ]
; note that "/SYSNUM=" is case INSENSITIVE
amis-mailbox = ( amis-a / amis-d )
Parsons Standards Track [Page 5]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
amis-a = amis-a-number
amis-d = [ amis-mailbox-numberplan ][ "+" ] amis-mailbox-id
[ "+" ] [ amis-mailbox-extension ]
; The "+" separators are used to be compatible
; the X.400 AMIS-D mailbox definition --
; if more than one element is present, both
; "+" must appear. Note also that the total
; length of this field is restricted to 32
; characters by AMIS-D.
amis-mailbox-numberplan = 1*VCHAR
amis-mailbox-id = 1*16(VCHAR)
amis-mailbox-extension = 1*VCHAR
amis-sysnum = amis-a-number
amis-a-number = ( amis-PSTN-number / amis-private-number )
amis-PSTN-number = int-country-code "+"
area-code "+"
local-number "+"
; This is in agreement with ITU [E.164]
; specification and per [AMIS-A] - the
; maximum length is 15 numeric digits.
; The "+" separators are used to be
; compatible with the X.400 AMIS-D
; mailbox definition and replace the '#'
; separators of AMIS-A
amis-private-number = "0++" local-number "+"
; [AMIS-A] indicates that maximum permitted
; length of the private number is 14
; digits
int-country-code = 1*4(DIGIT)
area-code = 1*(DIGIT)
local-number = 1*(DIGIT)
For more clarity, here is an example of a simple AMIS-A amis-mbox:
AMIS=+1/401+3278144+/SYSNUM=1+401+3279542+
Parsons Standards Track [Page 6]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
Based on [GSTN-ADDR], these are the resultant email addresses for the
LHS presented above. VPIM and IVM systems that support submission
MUST accept, translate (if necessary), and forward messages sent to
these addresses.
The vpim-email element is a specific version of pstn-email for VPIM
over the Internet e-mail transport system, where the service-selector
distinction is set to "VPIM".
vpim-email = ["/"] vpim-address ["/"] "@" mta-I-pstn
In this case the mta-I-pstn will usually point to a VPIM capable
messaging system where the attached message will be delivered
properly.
The voice-email element is a specific version of pstn-email for the
voice outdialing over the Internet e-mail transport system, where the
service-selector distinction is set to "VOICE".
voice-email = ["/"] voice-address ["/"] "@" mta-I-pstn
In this case the mta-I-pstn will usually point to a device that will
perform an outdial, that is for example, make a telephone call to the
specified number and play a voice attachment.
The amis-email element is a specific version of pstn-email for the
AMIS over the Internet e-mail transport system, where the service-
selector distinction is set to "AMIS".
amis-email = ["/"] amis-address ["/"] "@" mta-I-pstn
In this case the mta-I-pstn will usually point to a device that acts
as a gateway to an AMIS network where the attached voice message will
be delivered properly.
Parsons Standards Track [Page 7]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
Most security considerations are already identified in [VPIM2] and
[IVM].
An additional concern would be that the sender must trust and also be
aware of the policies of the submission MTA to which the message is
submitted. This is because, that MTA will make the determination of
where the final destination is and how it will be delivered based on
the VPIM submission LHS.
Submission MTAs should take care to not blindly place outdial calls
to any number submitted (e.g., international numbers or "1-900"
numbers). Ideally, senders should be authenticated to confirm their
outdialing privileges.
service-selector "VPIM"
To: IANA@iana.org
Subject: Registration of new values for the GSTN address
service-selector specifier "VPIM"
service-selector name:
VPIM
Description of Use:
VPIM - specify that the GSTN address refers to a voice
mailbox that is intended to accept a VPIM message.
For a complete description refer to "Voice Profile for Internet
Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Security Considerations:
See the Security Consideration section of "Voice Profile for
Internet Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Parsons Standards Track [Page 8]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
Person & email address to contact for further information:
Glenn W. Parsons
Nortel Networks
P.0. Box 3511 Station C
Ottawa, On K1Y 4H7
Canada
Phone: +1-613-763-7582
Fax : +1-613-763-2697
Email: gparsons@nortelnetworks.com
service-selector "VOICE"
To: IANA@iana.org
Subject: Registration of new values for the GSTN address
service-selector specifier "VOICE"
service-selector name:
VOICE
Description of Use:
VOICE - specify that the GSTN address refers to a voice
device that is intended to be sent a voice message via an
'outdialing'.
For a complete description refer to "Voice Profile for Internet Mail
(VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Security Considerations:
See the Security Consideration section of "Voice Profile for Internet
Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Person & email address to contact for further information:
Glenn W. Parsons
Nortel Networks
P.0. Box 3511 Station C
Ottawa, On K1Y 4H7
Canada
Phone: +1-613-763-7582
Fax : +1-613-763-2697
Email: gparsons@nortelnetworks.com
Parsons Standards Track [Page 9]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
service-selector "AMIS"
To: IANA@iana.org
Subject: Registration of new values for the GSTN address
service-selector specifier "AMIS"
service-selector name:
AMIS
Description of Use:
AMIS - specify that the GSTN address refers to a voice
mailbox that is intended to be sent an AMIS (Audio
Messaging Interchange Specification) voice mail message.
For a complete description refer to "Voice Profile for Internet Mail
(VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Security Considerations:
See the Security Consideration section of "Voice Profile for Internet
Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Person & email address to contact for further information:
Glenn W. Parsons
Nortel Networks
P.0. Box 3511 Station C
Ottawa, On K1Y 4H7
Canada
Phone: +1-613-763-7582
Fax : +1-613-763-2697
Email: gparsons@nortelnetworks.com
qualif-type1 keyword and value "SYSNUM"
To: IANA@iana.org
Subject: Registration of new values for the GSTN address
qualif-type1 element "sysnum"
qualif-type1 "keyword" name:
sysnum
Parsons Standards Track [Page 10]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
qualif-type1 "value" ABNF definition:
sysnum = 1*(DIGIT / "+")
Description of Use:
sysnum is used to specify the numeric optional AMIS sub-
address element as described in "Voice Profile for Internet Mail
(VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Use Restriction:
The use of "SYSNUM" is restricted to "AMIS" service-
selector, is it has no meaning outside the AMIS service.
Security Considerations:
See the Security Consideration section of "Voice Profile for
Internet Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Person & email address to contact for further information:
Glenn W. Parsons
Nortel Networks
P.0. Box 3511 Station C
Ottawa, On K1Y 4H7
Canada
Phone: +1-613-763-7582
Fax : +1-613-763-2697
Email: gparsons@nortelnetworks.com
keyword and value "EXT"
To: IANA@iana.org
Subject: Registration of new values for the GSTN address
qualif-type1 element "EXT"
qualif-type1 "keyword" name:
ext
qualif-type1 "value" ABNF definition:
ext = 1*(DIGIT)
Parsons Standards Track [Page 11]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
Description of Use:
EXT is used to specify the numeric optional extension
That identifies a particular VPIM mailbox as
described in "Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM)
Addressing", RFC 3804.
Use Restriction:
The use of "EXT" is intended for the "VPIM" service-
selector, however is may have meaning and be used outside
the VPIM service.
Security Considerations:
See the Security Consideration section of "Voice Profile for
Internet Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Person & email address to contact for further information:
Glenn W. Parsons
Nortel Networks
P.0. Box 3511 Station C
Ottawa, On K1Y 4H7
Canada
Phone: +1-613-763-7582
Fax : +1-613-763-2697
Email: gparsons@nortelnetworks.com
keyword and value "DL"
To: IANA@iana.org
Subject: Registration of new values for the GSTN address
qualif-type1 element "DL"
qualif-type1 "keyword" name:
dl
qualif-type1 "value" ABNF definition:
dl = 1*(DIGIT)
Description of Use:
DL is used to specify the numeric optional personal
Parsons Standards Track [Page 12]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
Distribution list for a particular VPIM mailbox as
described in "Voice Profile for Internet Mail (VPIM)
Addressing", RFC 3804.
Use Restriction:
The use of "DL" is intended for the "VPIM" service-
selector, however is may have meaning and be used outside
the VPIM service.
Security Considerations:
See the Security Consideration section of "Voice Profile for
Internet Mail (VPIM) Addressing", RFC 3804.
Person & email address to contact for further information:
Glenn W. Parsons
Nortel Networks
P.0. Box 3511 Station C
Ottawa, On K1Y 4H7
Canada
Phone: +1-613-763-7582
Fax : +1-613-763-2697
Email: gparsons@nortelnetworks.com
[GSTN] Allocchio, C., "GSTN Address Element Extensions in e-mail
Services", RFC 2846, June 2000.
[RFC2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate
Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997.
[RFC2822] Resinick, P., "Internet Message Format", RFC 2822, April
2001.
[VPIM2] Vaudreuil, G. and G. Parsons, "Voice Profile for Internet
Mail, Version 2", RFC 2421, September 1998.
[VPIMV2R2] Vaudreuil, G. and G. Parsons,"Voice Profile for Internet
Mail - version 2 (VPIMv2)", RFC 3801, June 2004.
[FAX-ADDR] Allocchio, C., "Minimal FAX address format in Internet
Mail", RFC 3192, October 2001.
Parsons Standards Track [Page 13]
RFC 3804 VPIM Addressing June 2004
[GSTN-ADDR] Allocchio, C., "Minimal GSTN address format in Internet
Mail", RFC 3191, October 2001.
[AMIS-A] Audio Messaging Interchange Specifications (AMIS) -
Analog Protocol Version 1, Issue 2, February 1992.
[AMIS-D] Audio Messaging Interchange Specifications (AMIS) -
Digital Protocol Version 1, Issue 3, August 1993.
[E.164] CCITT Recommendation E.164 (1991), Telephone Network and
ISDN Operation, Numbering, Routing and Mobile Service -
Numbering Plan for the ISDN Era.
[IVM] McRae, S. and G. Parsons, "Internet Voice Mail", Work in
Progress.
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2004). This document is subject
to the rights, licenses and restrictions contained in BCP 78, and
except as set forth therein, the authors retain all their rights.
This document and the information contained herein are provided on an
"AS IS" basis and THE CONTRIBUTOR, THE ORGANIZATION HE/SHE REPRESENTS
OR IS SPONSORED BY (IF ANY), THE INTERNET SOCIETY AND THE INTERNET
ENGINEERING TASK FORCE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE
INFORMATION HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Intellectual Property
The IETF takes no position regarding the validity or scope of any
Intellectual Property Rights or other rights that might be claimed to
pertain to the implementation or use of the technology described in
this document or the extent to which any license under such rights
might or might not be available; nor does it represent that it has
made any independent effort to identify any such rights. Information
on the procedures with respect to rights in RFC documents can be
found in BCP 78 and BCP 79.
Copies of IPR disclosures made to the IETF Secretariat and any
assurances of licenses to be made available, or the result of an
attempt made to obtain a general license or permission for the use of
such proprietary rights by implementers or users of this
specification can be obtained from the IETF on-line IPR repository at
http://www.ietf.org/ipr.
The IETF invites any interested party to bring to its attention any
copyrights, patents or patent applications, or other proprietary
rights that may cover technology that may be required to implement
this standard. Please address the information to the IETF at ietf-
ipr@ietf.org.
Acknowledgement
Funding for the RFC Editor function is currently provided by the
Internet Society.
Parsons Standards Track [Page 15]