[RFC] HTTP timezone

[Stefanos Harhalakis]

On Monday 11 June 2007 00:35, Richard Moore wrote:
> On 6/9/07, Stefanos Harhalakis <v13 at priest.com> wrote:
> >  I'm currently writting and Internet Draft candidate to describe an HTTP
> > header that will be used to transfer timezone information from browsers
> > to servers. Compliant browsers will need to send a timezone string:
> >
> > Timezone: +0200
> >
> > that will specify their timezone offset. This way scripts will be able to
> > provide appropriate date/time strings/representations and/or content.
>
> This information is already available to client side script through
> javascript. Is it really that important the information be available
> on the server side?

First I want to thank you a lot for your reply,

  I believe that Timezone information is just like the Accept-Language. It is 
meant for correct data representation to the clients. I'm writting some web 
apps and I always have the need for correct time representation to the 
clients. For example, I've written an mrtg like utility that draws graphs. 
Those graphs are completely useless for people outside my timezone since the 
displayed time is incorrect.

  Other uses are simple time representation on web pages and other means. Lets 
say that you have a web based fax sending machine that faxes uploaded 
documents to a telephone number you enter. What time should the fax message 
have printed on it?

  Finally, I don't believe that javascript should be used for things like 
this. I see the TZ header as a better (and accessible (as in accessibility)) 
solution to an existing problem. 

  I'll be glad to hear your comments on this!