!!! Overview
[{$pagename}] is an open [protocol] for developers to make it easier for developers to give their users a secure way to access the address books and friends lists they have built up all over the web. 

%%information
Although we think [{$pagename}] is extremely important, this project appears to be stalled with no updates since 2009.
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The goal of the [project|http://portablecontacts.net/|target='_blank'] is to increase data portability by creating a common and open specification to bridge proprietary contacts [Application Programing Interfaces] ([API]) such as [Google]'s GData Contacts API, [Yahoo]'s Address Book API, and [Microsoft's Live|Windows Live] Contacts [API]. 

[{$pagename}] combines 
* [OAuth]
* [XRDS-Simple] 
* a wire-format based on vCard 
harmonized with schema from [OpenSocial].

The editor of Portable Contacts specification was Joseph Smarr of Plaxo and the project co-maintained by Chris Messina.

Portable Contacts is used by services such as: 
* [Google] Contacts
* Windows Live Messenger Connect[2] 
* as well as other specification such as OStatus.

!! More Information
There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:
[{ReferringPagesPlugin before='*' after='\n' }]
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* [#1] - [http://portablecontacts.net/|http://portablecontacts.net//|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2016-03-27-