eZ Web Contacts is an API encapsulated in its own eZ Publish extension. The extension provides a set of eZ Functions that enables an API user to query external service providers, such as Google and Yahoo, for web contacts.

Each service provider has its own logic to access the web contacts. That logic is implemented in "ContactSource" handlers. This enables an API user to read web contacts from multiple sources just by using standard eZ Publish functions and with minimal knowledge of the service providers. These functions are commonly used in modules or templates.

In most cases, the web contacts from a service provider are related to an individual. Therefore, the web contacts API would need to know details like a Facebook or Yahoo account name. The logic to gather that information is encapsulated in another PHP class "ContactsOwner" and can be customized for specific needs. An instance of that class is stored in the PHP session to support the external service provider's authentication process.

eZ Web Contacts model

Enabling an "invitations" feature

Websites that allow user registration can benefit from eZ Web Contacts, as it supports the process of inviting more people to sign up. A concrete use case involves an already registered user, who can easily invite more people. From your website, this user has direct access to all of his or her his contacts at Google, Windows Live, Yahoo, and other service providers. He or she can then choose which people should be sent invitations.

If you would like to use this extension in one of your projects, please contact us at
hiezsystems.ca