The long tail of the iCalendar ecosystem

~ Jon Udell

A couple of months ago I began saving the iCalendar files that are submitted to the iCalendar Validator. Today I extracted a list of unique names of iCalendar producers along with associated counts of the number of calendars validated for each. Here they are, with Google Calendar at the head and a classic long tail distribution of almost 600 other iCalendar producers. (You can also see them elsewhere by name as well as by count.)

The next step will be to analyze how well these these producers conform to the validator’s interpretation of the iCalendar spec. But the list itself forms an interesting data set. We know intuitively that, after 12 years of evolution, the iCalendar ecosystem must have become broad and diverse. Here’s a nice illustration of that breadth and diversity.

(Note that these counts don’t necessarily reflect the real distribution of iCalendar producers. The iCalendar Validator is closely associated with the elmcity project, so certain producers used heavily there — DDay.iCal, EVDB, Meetup — are overrepresented. On the whole, though, I’d guess this is a reasonable proxy for the distribution of producers.)

-//Google Inc//Google Calendar 70.9054//EN 2102
-//DDay.iCal//NONSGML ddaysoftware.com//EN 334
-//SchoolCenter/NONSGML Calendar v9.0//EN 280
-//EVDB//www.eventful.com//EN 200
-//hacksw/handcal//NONSGML v1.0//EN 163
-//Meetup Inc//RemoteApi//EN 145
-//Meetup//RemoteApi//EN 143
-//Events at Stanford//iCal4j 1.0//EN 137
-//Drupal iCal API//EN 133
NingEventWidget-v1 131
-//Mozilla.org/NONSGML Mozilla Calendar V1.1//EN 101
-//CustomICS by Robert Brady 888-523-7275 81
PHP 76
-//Last.fm Limited Event Feeds//NONSGML//EN 61
e-vanced event management system 56
-//Microsoft Corporation//Windows Live Calendar//EN 55
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 12.0 MIMEDIR//EN 55
-//openmikes.org/NONSGML openmikes.org//EN 53
PRODID;X-RICAL-TZSOURCE=TZINFO:-//com.denhaven2/NONSGML ri_cal gem//EN 49
-//ActiveDataExchange/Calendar V3.12.0//EN 47
Data::ICal 0.16 36
-//Facebook//NONSGML Facebook Events V1.0//EN 36
-//sports.yahoo.com//San Francisco Giants Calendar (MLB)//EN 35
http://devliquid.hillel.org/ 33
-//University of Oulu//SEAA 2011 Conference Program//EN 33
iCalendar-Ruby 32
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 11.0 MIMEDIR//EN 31
https://news.piratenpartei.de/calendar.php 31
-//sports.yahoo.com//San Francisco 49ers Calendar (NFL)//EN 31
-//Refresh Web Development//Helios Calendar//EN 30
-//strange bird labs//Drupal iCal API//EN 29
-Consultation Manager iCal File 28
-//Kennedy Space Center launches by Chad//NONSCML//EN 27
-//ddaysoftware.com//NONSGML DDay.iCal 1.0//EN 27
-//Apple Inc.//iCal 4.0.4//EN 26
-//Ascensha//Causeway Workgroup Calendar//EN 25
-//Events Calendar//iCal4j 1.0//EN 25
-//Enzian Specials by Chad//NONSCML//EN 24
Absorb LMS 24
-//Apple Inc.//iCal 3.0//EN 22
Clear Books 22
-//University of Geneva//Calendar v1.0//EN 22
PRODID;X-RICAL-TZSOURCE=TZINFO:TeamPages.com 22
-//lanyrd.com//Lanyrd//EN 20
-//Upcoming.org/Upcoming ICS//EN 20
TT-Kalender 19
-//ForeTees//NONSGML v1.0//EN 19
-//Webmaster-Portal// 19
-//suda.co.uk//X2V 0.9.2.1 (BETA)//EN 18
-//Partyflock//Partyflock_agenda_user_350057//EN 18
-//John Papaioannou/NONSGML Bennu 0.1//EN 18
-//collegefootballcalendar.net//2011-2012 NCAA Football Calendar//EN 17
-//Kerio Technologies//Kerio Connect//EN 17
BedeWork V3.5 17
-//Apple Computer\, Inc//iCal 2.0//EN 17
-//Trumba Corporation//Trumba Calendar Services 0.11.8113//EN 17
-//Schedule Star LLC//HighSchoolSports.net Calendar 2009.02.19//EN 16
-//MH Software Inc//Calendar – 3.2.13-pre8//EN 16
-//Springshare//LibCal//EN 16
-//University of California\, Berkeley//UCB Events Calendar//EN 16
-//ViableIT Inc//athletechs.com Calendar 1.0//EN 15
-//FBC//Turnierkalender//EN 15
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 14.0 MIMEDIR//EN 14
-//Sølvguttene\, //Aktivitetskalender//EN 14
TOUTWEB http://www.toutweb.ac-versailles.fr 14
-//yeltzland/Calendar v1.0//EN 14
-//SimpleMachines//SMF 1//EN 14
-//Korfball.de//NONSGML Korfball.de V2.0//EN 13
-// Kansas Humanities Events Calendar //NONSGML v1.0//EN 13
RSS2iCal 0.0.1 13
-//Calendar//Calendar Event//EN 13
-//Dasos//NONSGML berksevents.com//EN 13
-//davical.org//NONSGML AWL Calendar//EN 13
-//Evolvera AB\, //TimeEdit//EN 12
-//Pingstkyrkan Sundsvall//Kalender//SV 12
-//Apple Inc.//iCal 5.0//EN 12
-//GMN training events//NONSGML v1.0//EN 12
-//RidgeStar//NONSGML v1.0//EN 12
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 12.0 MIMEDIR//EN 12
-//Intand Corporation//Tandem for Schools//EN 12
-//Gala Festival Engine//gala-engine.com//EN 12
https://vertrieb.panomizer.de 12
-//loco.ubuntu.com//EN 12
Coldfusion8 12
-//VTM//TEXT Causeway Calendar//EN 11
-//Generated by RSScal//Tom Henderson 2007 11
-//herald-dispatch/calendar//NONSGML v1.0//EN 11
-//Events Manager//1.0//EN 11
-//CHECK24 Vergleichsportal GmbH//Kfz iCal Termin v0.1//DE 11
-//FwdMeeting.app//EN 11
-//FAST//NONSGML v1.0//CZ 11
Mobile Geographics Tides 3988 2011 11
-//Punahou School/finalsite//NONSGML v1.0//EN 11
-//Bryce Campbell/NONSGML v1.0//EN 11
-//beTicketing/Events//EN 11
-//djeebus/scheduleanywhere//NONSGML v1.0//EN 11
-//mySportSite Inc.//mySportSite//EN 11
-//nikatla.de//MoDuL//DE 11
PRODID;X-RICAL-TZSOURCE=TZINFO:-//ArcticStartup//ri_cal gem//EN 11
-//Weather Underground Inc//Wunder Weather Calendar//EN 11
-//CALENDARSERVER.ORG//NONSGML Version 1//EN 10
-//Ben Fortuna//iCal4j 1.0//EN 10
-//Linux Users’ Group of Davis//events-as-ics 2006.09.12//EN 10
-//WestConn Events//iCal 2.0//EN 10
-//Korrio Inc//Korrio Calendar 0.42//EN 10
-//TPP//v2.2.6//DE 10
soe_events 10
Ajax Event Calendar WordPress Plugin 10
de.rwth-aachen.filmstudio.www 10
-//Datasport//Datasport Events V0.1//EN 9
-//Vertical Magazine//VerticalADCalendar//EN 9
-//denef.design\, //iCalCreator 0.1//EN 9
-//Oakland Unviersity//NONSGML Events//EN 9
-//sports.yahoo.com//Connecticut Huskies Calendar (NCAA Men’s Hoops)//EN 9
-//blogTO//NONSGML Toronto Events V1.0//EN 9
-//CiviCRM//NONSGML CiviEvent iCal//EN 9
-//Microsoft Corporation//OutlookMIMEDIR//EN 9
-//sports.yahoo.com//Central Conn. St. Lady Blue Devils Calendar (NCAA Women’s Hoops)//EN 9
-//Export//Set-a-Date//EN 9
-//winchesteryouthhockey.com//Schedule Calendar 0.001//EN 9
-//guthrietheater.org///Schedule Calendar 0.001//EN 8
-//The Horde Project//Horde_iCalendar Library\, Horde 3.3.4//EN 8
-//UB Events Calendar//NONSGML v1.0//EN 8
-//jEvents 1.5 for Joomla//EN 8
-//crystalbootssilversaddles.org//NONSGML // 8
i-Aspect IAF 1.0.23 8
-//ReminderFox V1.9.9.4.2//EN 8
-//Arnolds calendar// 8
-//flaimo.com//iCal Class MIMEDIR//EN 8
Computers in Personnel Ltd – Ciphr 8
-//ISCOPE GmbH//NONSGML iCalendar library for PHP//DE 8
-//WebCalendar-v1.1.2 8
Town of Chapel Hill Calendar Creator 8
-//Edtech\\\, //Ultranet 2.3.4//EN 8
-//Proweso/TeamData//DE 8
-//AntonDesign//NONSGML LUCS//EN 7
-//LEARNING CURVE PLANNER//DAIRY WIDGET//EN 7
-//Ascensha//Causeway Calendar//EN 7
-//ABC Denayer//NONSGML DenayerAgenda//EN 7
-//DNN//Events 05.00.02//EN 7
-//F30//NONSGML Text Editor//EN 7
-//Terrapinn//The Internet Show Middle East//EN 7
-//Clubless//NONSGML//EN 7
-//zulily//reminders//EN 7
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 8.5//EN 7
Zimbra-Calendar-Provider 7
-//WebCalendar-ics-v1.2.3 7
//RESEARCH IN MOTION//BIS 3.0 7
+//IDN hrooster.nl/icsFeed//NONSGML v1.0//EN 7
-//ESD105//NONSGML v1.0//EN 7
-//University of St Andrews//Galen Timetable//EN 7
-//Cairns State High School//Events Manager Export//EN 7
-//ELT Calendar//Eventer 1.0//EN 7
bnmng 7
-//UT///NONSGML v1.0//nl-NL 7
-//Telerik Inc.//NONSGML RadScheduler//EN 6
-//InstituteOfClinicalResearch//NONSGML v1.0//EN 6
-//Skoonhoven//VUrooster//NONSGML v1.0//EN 6
-//TPP//T P P v2.2.6//DE 6
-//Vereniging Voor Natuurkunde//NONSGML Activiteitenkalender//NL 6
-//MNC Heren 8 Kalender//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 6
-//Costasoft//CalGen//IT 6
-//MGL//APPOINTMENT//EN 6
-//ReminderFox V1.9.9.4//EN 6
-//Typo3 CMS\, News Event Extension 6
-//Nevobo/Competitie/NL 6
-//Scientia Ltd//iCalendar Server v 1.0//EN 6
-//kex.se//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 6
-//TYPO3/NONSGML Calendar Base (cal) V1.4.0//EN 6
-//Trumba Corporation//Trumba Calendar Services 0.11.8009//EN 6
-//Day Software//CQ5 Calendar 5.4.2//EN 6
CALENDAR_APP_EXAMPLE_FOR_PMP 6
-//RHHA//NONSGML Cal//EN 6
-//sphereinc//jira to iCal Vacations 0.09//EN 6
-//stgeorge.org//calendar.php//NONSGML v1.0//EN 5
-//polishprofessionals.org.uk//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 5
-//SHEA/syndicated//NONSGML v1.0//EN 5
-//Remember The Milk//rtm.Service.iCalendar.Export 3.0//EN 5
-//SFU CourSys//courses.cs.sfu.ca// 5
iTV – televizni program 5
-//www.byucougars.com//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 5
THARTSCAL 5
-//jhart//skytools_icalendar//EN 5
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 5
Integrated Resources Booking System 5
-//Air Crew Portal//.air V0.2b//EN 5
http://www.billomat.net/service/feed/ical/ 5
HSJ – Excel 5
-//Abreu Viagens//CorpAbreu//PT 5
-//ED//Agenda Harmonie//EN 5
VBCPS Calendar Application 5
-//192.168.100.199//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.4.3// 5
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 10.0 MIMEDIR//EN 5
-//Apple Computer\, Inc//iCal 1.0//EN 5
-//The Highbar LLC//BoardOnTrack//EN 5
-//Trumba Corporation//Trumba Calendar Services 0.11.8016//EN 5
-//64.56.109.132//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 5
-//Leaguerunner//Team Schedule//EN 5
-//Legends Racing UK//Race Calendar//EN 5
-//Trumba Corporation//Trumba Calendar Services 0.11.8024//EN 5
-//ABC Corporation//NONSGML My Product//EN 4
-//Algit d.o.o.//NONSGML iUrnik 7.0.680//EN 4
Common Place 4
-//Schoolonline//Schoolonline 1.0//NL 4
-//78.47.136.163//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 4
-//Revoshop//Brønshøj kampe//EN 4
-//agenda.strasweb.fr//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 4
-//RidgeStar//NONSGML v4.8.2//EN 4
-//glenallenpool.com//GlenAllenCommunityCenter//EN 4
-//Incom.org//iCal Helper//DE 4
-//iCal Parser Test//NONSGML v1.0//EN 4
-//Novell Inc//Groupwise 12.0.0 Beta 4
-//Middlebury College//Dining Menus//EN 4
-//Mercury//cam.ac.uk// 4
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 6.0//EN 4
-//D2Rec WEB//EN 4
-//Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints//LDS Calendar 2.0//EN 4
-//Cambridge Publications//NONSGML ConferenceSys//EN 4
-//Double Yellow//DY//EN 4
-//HOCZ.org//srazy.hocz.org//EN 4
-//Foris//Meetings//EN 4
-//eZ Systems//eZ Publish//EN 4
-//Trumba Corporation//Trumba Calendar Services 0.11.7922//EN 4
http://www.jeripeier.ch/piper+ 4
-//UM//UM*Events//EN 4
//Dave Warker//Remember? 4.6.2d1 4
-//TIMEANDDATE AS//NONSGML//EN 4
Clubless Event Invite 4
http://aol.animanga.at/ 4
-//ungarn.brunstadworld.org// Ungarn.iCal 1.0//EN 4
infosys@rn.inf.tu-dresden.de 4
GIGPRESS 2.0 WORDPRESS PLUGIN 4
-//vodafoneprojects-hr.mediaxplosion.nl//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 4
IntraSEIC ICS Generator 4
-//Terrapinn//World National Oil Companies Congress 2012//EN 3
-//test.org//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 3
-//CBIT//eAdministration//DK 3
-//MightyMax/JPT/ripper v1.0//NL 3
-//ELT Calendar//Add to calendar//EN 3
-//Tethr.co.uk/NONSGML Tethr 0.1//EN 3
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 9.0 MIMEDIR//EN 3
-//TBP\ Inc//iCal 1.0//EN 3
-//NONSGML Events //EN 3
-//Taxi Licensing//MOT BOOKINGS//EN 3
-//NOVASOFTWARE//Calendar//IT 3
http://www.example.com/calendarapplication/TZ:+01:00 3
http://www.trinews.at 3
DaisyTest 3
-//DNN//Events 05.02.00//EN 3
-//Novell Inc//Groupwise 8.0.2 3
eAdministration 3
-//MIA Consulting//MIA_Toolkit v1.0//EN 3
-//hugoviste.cz//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 3
-//i:FAO Aktiengesellschaft//NONSGML cytric r10//EN 3
-//localhost//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 3
-//Trumba Corporation//Trumba Calendar Services 0.11.7914//EN 3
-//Hester Jans//Agenda//NL 3
-//Ibooqu Calendar 1.0//EN 3
-//University of Florida//NONSGML Calendar v1.0//EN 3
-//Intand Corporation//Tandem//EN 3
-//koivuniemi//navettabroker 1.0//FI 3
-//WBT Systems//NONSGML TopClass//EN 3
-//University of Cambridge/WattLab V1.4//EN 3
-//LOGICS SOFTWARE GMBH//MOBILE APP 2.1//EN 3
-//Example/ExampleCalendarClient//EN 3
-//meds.queensu.ca//iCal MEdTech Central Calendar MIMEDIR//EN 3
-//MGL MakingGreatLeaders//NONSGML MGL//EN 3
-//Eveoh//Eveoh iCalExporter 1.2//EN 3
-//The Taft School//NONSGML v1.0//EN 3
-//Maxinutrition//iCal 2.0//EN 3
-//GENTICS Content.Node//NONSGML AWO Event//DE 3
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 7.0//EN 3
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 8.5.2//EN_C 3
-//Markthisdate.com\,0.7 3
-//Generated by PHP in Linux!//NONSGML v1.0//EN 3
-//OHAI.CA//Brian Lai’s Awesome iCal Parser 1.01//EN 3
-//Appointments On Time//EN 3
-//SweepAround.Us: Ward 40\, Sweep Area 5//EN 3
TEST 3
NetProfits Guidance Scheduling 3
-//Plan 2011Z CB//NONSGML v1.0//EN 3
Microsoft Exchange SERVER 2007 3
-//Schedule Star LLC//HighSchoolSports.net Calendar 2009.02.19//ENVERSION:2.0CALSCALE:GREGORIAN 3
UVT/ESG 3
-//Saltech Systems//NONSGML Saltech CMS 2011//EN 3
-//sol3//EN 3
ReflexAppointment 3
-//Amtelco/Oncall//NONSGML V1.0//EN 3
-//Rentmanager XI//EN 3
-//Reincubate Ltd//iPhone Backup Extractor 3.0.8//EN 3
Nova-Migration-PC-1.0 3
-//Sotic Ltd//EN 3
-//Roundcube Webmail//NONSGML Calendar//EN 3
-//Scott Crevier//SouthEndZone.com//EN 3
-//Brian Victor//BTBCal 3
-//OHAI.CA//Brians iCal Generator 1.01//EN 3
-//ServeiTIC ETSAB//iCal4j 1.0//EN 3
-//p77b Inc//iCal Splitter r1//EN 3
-//Sølvguttene//Aktivitetskalender//EN 3
IE – 2011 3
-//Ascentis Corporation//CalExporter 1.0//EN 3
-//synexarium_arabic@copticchurch.net//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 3
-//IP.Board Calendar 3.1.4//EN 2
-//iwooweb.umcn.nl/rooster/B1GM1t_rooster_12-8-2011.ics//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 2
-//Zarafa//7.0.1-28479//EN 2
Reflex Appointment 2
-//WebCalendar-v1.0.2 2
-//YuMe Inc//NONSGML My Product//EN 2
-//www.bostonharborislands.com//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 2
-//jaegerlacke.de//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 2
-//Genbook, Inc//Genbook Calendar 1.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN 2
-//flybe SDRA iCal Export//Daniel Giles//EN 2
-//inter-actief//amélie//NL 2
-//AbanQ/AbanQCalendarClient//EN 2
-//Volleyball calendar 2011-2012// 2
VMH Akademie Mailer 2
-//192.168.65.8//NONSGML iCalcreator 0.9.9// 2
-//127.0.0.1//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 2
– // LuxCal 2.5.0 // I+R Web Calendar // EN 2
-//Vrijhof Cultuurcentrum//Admino 3//EN 2
-//Abilene Christian University//CM 2011.1//EN 2
UWA Whatson 2
-//adb_birthdays2ical//V0.1//EN 2
SuperOffice Calendar 2
-//http://nitalk-dev.natinst.com//ics-export-sbs-plugin//EN 2
-//Hochschule Heilbronn//ICS Downloader//DE 2
http://www.handball.no 2
feed2ical 0.0.1 2
Microsoft CDO for Microsoft Exchange 2
Fenwick/Kinopop 2
feed2ical 0.1 2
-//dukamunka.hu// DukaMunka.iCal 1.0//HU 2
ApplyMate Reminders 2
-//DougBrown//WHS Date Generator – copyright 2011 //EN 2
Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 2
METHEUS 2000 2
-//Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints//LDS Calendar 1.6//EN 2
JustaTest 2
-//chapterboard.com//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 2
-//Chris Malton//UKS_WebExport v1.0//EN 2
-//d-elft.nl//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 2
-//blah/test 2
http://ortsring-weiler.de/ 2
http://cybot.eu.org/zapo/ 2
//annando/mybb-ical//DE 2
-//Air Crew Portal//Air//EN 2
//Bedework.org//BedeWork V3.7//EN 2
-//Annual//Annual 70.9054//EN 2
-//Feuerwehr Eriskirch//NONSGML v1.0//EN 2
-//Air Crew Portal//Air v//EN 2
-Consultation Manager 2.0 2
-ANSJOB//IKSTYM//1112 2
-//AntonDesign//NONSGML v1.0//EN 2
-//Apple Inc.//iCal 4.0.3//EN 2
//opencampus.ssig.ch\ v2.0//IT 2
NONE 2
-//EMA Inc//EMA Private//EN 2
-//EventPoint, Inc.//TechEd Australia 2011 Calendar//EN 2
-//Apple Computer\, Inc//iCal 1.5//EN 2
//Nokia Corporation//Maemo5 Calendar PR1.2//EN 2
-//Apple Inc.//iCal 3.0m//EN 2
-//MKIVC//Public//EN 2
-//Terrapinn//Hedge Funds World Asia 2011//EN 2
-//PBS Arts//NONSGML GIVE ME THE BANJO//EN 2
-//Songkick//iCal 1.0//EN 2
-//SYFADIS//PORTAIL FORMATION//FR 2
-//TV-kalendern.se//NONSGML Calendar feed for television//EN 2
-//NC State OIED//NONSGML v1.0//EN 2
-//P2D Prontuario Universal//P2D Calendar 1.7//PT-BR 2
-//Paprikka_ERP//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 2
-//localhost:2026//NONSGML v1.0//EN 2
-//Rearden Commerce//iCal4j 1.0//EN 2
-//suda.co.uk//X2V 0.7.2 (BETA)//EN 2
-//Maxinutrition//iCal 1.0//EN 2
-//Meetup//Meetup Events v1.0//EN 2
-//The Horde Project//Horde_iCalendar Library\, Horde 3.3.8//EN 2
-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook MIMEDIR//EN 2
-//SoPA UoE//Event Calendar//EN 2
-//LUIS/handcal//NONSGML v1.0//LV 2
-//Planetarium Hamburg//Planetarium Hamburg Technikeinsatzplkanung//DE 2
-//test//Set-a-Date//EN 2
-//USBank//NONSGML v1.0//EN 2
-//Snow B.V.//NONSGML ldap2ics.pl v0.1//EN 2
-//JH-data//www.kobh.dk v1.0//EN 2
-//K Desktop Environment//NONSGML libkcal 4.3//EN 2
-//Skiteam Wolfskamer//Wedstrijdagenda//NL 2
-//Taxi Licensing//Basildon Borough Council//EN 2
-//TAO Outlook-Converter//software.tao.at// 2
-//School Datebooks Inc//The Zoneâ„¢ – Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati//EN 2
-//Sølvguttene//Aktivitetskalender//NO 2
-//TheWeddingDJ 2
-//northwestern_econ_pinksheet//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 2
-//Union Korneuburg//iCal4j 1.0//EN 2
-//CE Systems//calendarexchange 1.0//EN 1
-//Numara Software, Inc.//FootPrints Calendar//EN 1
-//NWHS Events//EN 1
1
-//CitySocialising//NONSGML CitySocialising Socials v1.0//EN 1
-//CMS4Schools.com//NONSGML Pro//EN 1
http://www.htw-aalen.de/ 1
-//Plan 2011Z CA//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
-//PIRATEN//NONSGML ELSAevent//DE 1
http://www.mscbeuern.de/ 1
-//arqcore.com//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.10// 1
-//Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
-//Calendar For 1
-//Calendar Labs//Calendar 1.0//EN 1
-//Cambridge Folk//NONSGML Cam-French//EN 1
-//BusyMac LLC/BusyCal 1.5.4/ET 1
-//CalendarONE Pte Ltd//Entourage Mac 11.0 MIMEDIR//EN 1
-//OJP/Thales//EN 1
-//calendar-workoptions b.v..eazymatch.net//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 1
-//Open Source Applications Foundation//NONSGML Chandler Server//E 1
-//bughome/tasks//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
livesportontv.com 1
-//BlackParadigm/Schedule/FR 1
-//ATK Palvelu Hakosalo Oy//Yrinet3-asiakashallintajärjestelmä//FI 1
-//PimlicoSoftware Inc//Pimlical Calendar ICS Export//EN 1
-//Broadnet Teleservices/Event manager//EN 1
Id de procedencia (Compa�ia) 1
Lagsidan 1
-//PBS Arts//NONSGML 1
-//212.90.148.26//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 1
-//216.71.91.126//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.4.3// 1
-//193.202.110.157//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 1
-//SMW Project//Semantic Result Formats 1
-//192.168.65.8//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
University of Kent THALIA 1
-//Sol-3/sol3-export-crm-calendar-ics.pl//EN 1
-//Schedule Star LLC//HighSchoolSports.net Calendar 2009.02.19//CALSCALE:GREGORIAN 1
-//schleifring//messen 1
TT-KalenderMETHOD:PUBLISH 1
-//78.47.136.163//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
-//002511509501000000000000000000000002000_NÖ Männer Meister PlayOff//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 1
ANSJOB IKSCRIPT 1
-//SHEA//syndicated//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
XVU iCal 1
-//Shrimad Rajchandra Mission//Mission Calendar 1.0//EN 1
PRODID;X-RICAL-TZSOURCE=TZINFO:-//Full Slate\, Inc.//NONSGML fullslate.co 1
HIP-HOP.DK 1.0 1
–//Mozilla.org/NONSGML Mozilla Calendar V1.1//EN 1
-////NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
-//scrollday.com//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 1
http://www.apartmentsapart.com 1
-//SimpleMachines//SMF/RAphotoclub v1.0 1//EN 1
-//anzevents.adobe.com – Creaive Class: for creative people// 1
ONNET OFFLINEKALENDAR 1
-//St. Luke University Parish//stlCalendar v1.0//EN 1
Projektron BCS 1
Open-Xchange 1
-//Reincubate Ltd//iPhone Backup Extractor 3.0.8//EN // RECOMMENDED INCLUSION 1
-//PYVOBJECT//NONSGML Version 1//EN 1
-//Apple Inc.//iCal 4.0//EN 1
-//Raco//iCal4j 1.0//EN 1
ONLINEBOOQ 1
-//stgeorge.org//calendar.php//NONSGML v1.0//ENb 1
-//Something.org//NotesCalendarExport 0.96//EN 1
Rooster-janwal2010 1
-//ActiveDataExchange/Calendar V3.12.1//EN 1
-//Acme Corporation//NONSGML V1.0//Widget 1
-//Schedule a Meeting 1
SFPL Web Calendar 1
-//ACVB//RSVP Event//EN 1
-//Rillsoft GmbH//Rillsoft Integration Server//DE 1
-//Solvguttene\, //Aktivitetskalender//EN 1
-//agenda.strasweb.fr//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.8// 1
-//SABA SOFTWARE//NONSGML iCal//EN 1
-//RIT Events Calendar//events//EN 1
-//GEOclubbing//NONSGML//EN 1
-//timetable.staircase.dur.ac.uk//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 1
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 8.0//EN 1
-//generated//sprungknoedl.at// 1
-//GENTICS Content.Node// AWO Event//DE 1
-//WebCalendar-ics-v1.2.4 1
-//LG Electronics//LG Remarq//EN 1
-//WebCal.fi//NONSGML iCalendar Creator version 3.3//EN 1
-//WebCal.fi//NONSGML iCalendar Creator version 3.3//FI 1
-//WebCalendar-ics-v1.2.1 1
-//Henrik Levkowetz//ietf-agenda-ical 1.03//EN 1
-//TimeEdit\, //TimeEdit//EN 1
-//XYZ Corp//My Product//EN 1
-//Flogs//NONSGML Flogs iCalendar interface v1.1//EN 1
-//Five Borough Bicycle Club//genics.cgi//EN 1
-//M&V Software//NONSGML Yritysmappi 1.4.2//EN 1
-//Freshcookies.org//NONSGMLNotesCalendarExport 0.96//EN 1
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 8.5.2//EN_S 1
-//www.bad-homburg-tourismus.de//DE 1
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 8.5.3//EN_C 1
-//www.ziv-zweirad.de//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 1
-//Lotus Development Corporation//NONSGML Notes 8.5.3//EN_S 1
-//LFP//iCal 3.0//FR 1
-//Intracore 13092011 103801 AM //iCal 2.0//EN 1
-//IP.Board Calendar 3.2.2//EN 1
-//University of Oulu//NONSGML SEAA 2011 Conference Program//EN 1
-//University of Michigan Museum of Art//Events Calendar//EN 1
-//Integrated Resources Booking System 1
-//Irish Orienteering Association//NONSGML Fixtures//EN 1
-//jCRM//iCal 0.1//EN 1
-//Jeb//edt.pl//EN 1
-//Verkkovaraani Oy/Generated by eAdmin//FI 1
-//IS4U//EN 1
-//virtual-loup-de-mer.org//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 1
-//HZ93//HZ93//EN 1
-//Typo3 CMS\, News Event Extension //MIMEDIR//EN 1
-//Hypermatix//NONSGML Andal BETA//EN 1
-//http://notclive.co.uk/IC-DoC-iCal//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
-//http://www.ibestat.es 1
-//TYPO3/NONSGML Calendar Base (cal) V1.3.3//EN 1
-//Infragistics,Inc.//UltraWinSchedule 1
-//University of Illinois//Web Services Calendar//EN 1
-//Kiiba ApS//NONSGML Kiiba//EN 1
-//ICal by EliasSoft//EN 1
-//ical.net//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.9.1// 1
-//MAT Foundries Europe GmbH Informationsportal//NONSGML Infoportal//DE 1
-//Day Software//CQ5 Calendar 5.3.0//EN 1
fenwick/kinopop 1
-//NCEO//Web site//EN 1
-//Nevobo/Competitie 1
Hasso Plattner Institute Potsdam, Germany, AOSD 2012 1
-//TBP\, Inc//iCal 1.0//EN 1
-//mulberrymail.com//Mulberry v4.0//EN 1
-//Terrapinn Holdings Ltd//The Internet Show Middle East//EN 1
-//multifunction.nl/#SPLUS630532//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
-//delftcalendar.tudelft.nl//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.6// 1
-//musique4.localhost//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 1
http://tute.ch/events/ical/ 1
-//Cozi Group Inc//Cozi Calendar//EN 1
-//NorthEastSocial//NONSGML NorthEastSocial Events v1.0//EN 1
-//collegefootballcalendar.net//2011-2012 NCAA Football Calendar (ACC)//EN 1
-//collegefootballcalendar.net//2011-2012 NCAA Football Calendar (SEC)//EN 1
-//None/1.0//EN 1
http://calendar.rockhurst.edu/ 1
-//Dallas Theological Seminary//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
-//d-elftwedstrijdkalender//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
-//NLFacMgr_v.2.288//FM//EN 1
-//Newcastle University//Personal Student Timetables v2.0//EN 1
-//Doodle AG//Doodle//EN 1
-//MIA Consulting//NONSGML MIA_TOOLKIT v1.0//EN 1
//Dave Warker//Remember? 4.6 1
//MCPS//iCalendar//EN 1
-//Test//NONSGML My Calendar//EN 1
-//The Horde Project//Horde_iCalendar Library//EN 1
-//thinkdigital/webkit-calendar//NONSGML v1.0//EN 1
-//zugunited.ch//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
-//Zermelo Roostermakers//NONSGML Infoweb rooster//NL 1
-//MAT Foundries Europe GmbH Informationsportal//NONSGML Infoportal//DE 1
-//EZ Bill Tracker// 1
-hanmade 1
-//dsek.lth.se//NONSGML dCalMaker 1.0// 1
-//mjoberg.net//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10.5// 1
-//Drupal iCal API//EN 1
-//dorky.bkbruntal.cz//NONSGML iCalcreator 2.4.3// 1
CommuniGate Pro 5.4.2d 1
BYU Calendar 1
AndroidEmail 1
//SMP 1
-//test.org//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.10// 1
-//Mijn Rooster//osiris.uu.nl// 1
-//Eloqua//NONSGML Eloqua Conversion Suite//EN 1

Published by Jon Udell

11 thoughts on “The long tail of the iCalendar ecosystem”

  1. I realise opinions vary over what the default assumption should be when submitting data to a public service for something like this. However the “try to be reasonably careful online” side of me blanches a little bit reading this, because there’s nowhere on the iCal validation page that I can find where it says submitted data will be saved and potentially displayed publicly down the line like this.

    I’m sure you personally will be careful, Jon, about not displaying anything you might consider private; your track record and postings about this kind of thing justify that. However, your intuition might not match others and whilst it could definitely be pushed back on the submitters for sending data that shouldn’t be released to a public service, would it be possible to add a note about this to the validator?

    Reply

  2. One thing I see where people may need a little guidance: there seem to be an awful lot of PRODID: components where the ‘product’ is the name of the organization or something similar – for example, “-//Dallas Theological Seminary//NONSGML v1.0//EN”

    I think there would be less unique names if they used the name of the tool that created their calendar items.

    Reply

  3. there’s nowhere on the iCal validation page that I can find where it says submitted data will be saved and potentially displayed publicly down the line like this

    I did, of course, think about this. From my POV the analogy is to compilations of HTTP user-agent strings which are quite commonly gathered by services that receive them and displayed, in an aggregated way.

    Do you think that’s the wrong analogy?

    Reply

    1. I agree that’s valid logic for publishing PRODID values, for example. Like I said initially, I’m fairly sure you’re going to be careful about this. But you said you’re saving the entire ical submission for future analysis (of which we’re seeing the first bit here). I don’t even think that’s particularly out of line, providing submitters are notified.

      I don’t want to make too big a deal out of this, because there is definitely the argument that submitting data to an online service is giving up control over it, by default. I’m just a fan of good citizenship and informing consent.

      Reply

      1. Nope, point well taken, thanks. You helped me consider that there are a few different classes of input. If you ask to validate by URL then the data you’re passing through the validator is already public on the web. But if you validate a pasted-in snippet or if you upload a file, that data could be private.

        Going forward I’ll restrict collection to just the by-URL stuff, and will state a policy which will explain this, and also mention that my only use of the data will be in aggregated form to help me understand — and improve — the iCalendar ecosystem.

        Thanks Malcolm!

  4. there seem to be an awful lot of PRODID: components where the ‘product’ is the name of the organization or something similar

    That’s an interesting point. It seems to me that you’d have to go out of your way to modify a component to display a custom name, so my sense has been that there really are quite a lot of homegrown producers — just as there always were, and still are, in the RSS domain.

    (A difference here is that it’s rather more difficult to whip up a correct ICS file than a correct RSS file.)

    Reply

  5. My sense – but bear in mind that it has been a while since I was actively looking at these kinds of files while participating in the Calsify mailing list – is that people really didn’t understand PRODID and some other components; and some code was probably written and sold which let you make the PRODID value whatever you wanted. Probably even worse in vCalendar files which still exist.

    Reply

    1. Some evidence of that is seen above. It looks like iCalCreator is identified multiple times according to who was using that component rather than who created it. So I see what you’re saying, if components are packaged in a way that invites that kind of confusion then maybe some are packaged in ways that invite wholesale rewriting of the PRODID.

      On the other side of the coin, of course, is the well-known tendency of people to never change defaults :-)

      But anyway, point well made and taken. At best this is merely an indication that the ecosystem is diverse, but not any kind of measure of how diverse.

      Reply

  6. Thanks to Malcolm Tredinnick, there’s a new version of the validator that:

    1. Saves results only for URL-based validation, not File Upload- or Snippet-based validation.

    2. States a privacy policy.

    Reply
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