Making large scale changes

[Nick Loman]

Hey list,

I have to implement a web mail interface for a client with a very distinct
and well defined feature-set, as well as a complete appearance 
specification.

I have already decided to base this system on IMP -- my question is, how
can I customise IMP sufficiently whilst allowing others to benefit from
any extra features I add in? Obviously the answer is "CVS" but presumably
I would need to have a discussion with the developers as to how the
features I anticipate adding might fit with the future direction of the
product and devise a strategy for merging my changes back in?

The alternative is just to branch off and do it myself but I would
consider that a little inpolite on my behalf given that you guys have
already given so much to the community.

As a basic indication of my requirements which may, or may not be covered
already by the latest development version:

* complete customisable template
* folder list on mail list page
* interaction with SQL based members directory for searches
* linking e-mail attachments to SQL
* more advanced filtering capabilities
* multiple "extra" mail accounts integrated into single INBOX (is this
even possible?)
* link to calendars
* recognition of e-mail types and display of particular icon based on
recognition by e-mail
* Netscape 3.0+ higher compatibility
* advanced address book capability
* more advanced signature support (e.g. multiple signatures)
* user profiles/accounts

There's more but that's a taster for now. IMP developers' thoughts
appreciated.

Cheers,

Nick.