Running behind many instances of Ubuntu is something called the Evolution Data Server (EDS).  The EDS acts as a host for the global address book, calendar and task list for the desktop environment.

Here in Mozilla Labs, we’ve been developing an add-on that allows users to read and edit EDS address book contacts, all from within Thunderbird.

Here’s a quick demonstration:

Release Notes

• This add-on should still be considered experimental – to avoid any data loss, it’d be a good idea to back up any critical address books before trying the add-on
• This add-on is designed to be used on Ubuntu Oneiric.  Earlier versions will likely be incompatible.
• While this add-on is compatible with Thunderbird 6.0 and above, it will only work with the version of Thunderbird 6.0 that currently ships with Ubuntu Oneiric.
• Although the addons.mozilla.org page does not yet list it as the primary download, you’ll want to use version 0.3.1a of the add-on if you’re attempting to write or delete contact data.

Known Issues

• Mailing lists cannot be deleted.  See bug 673480.
• Adding and deleting address books is not supported at this point.
• If you accidentally delete an EDS address book in Thunderbird, the rest will disappear (don’t worry though – nothing has actually been erased!).  You can restore your address books by following these instructions.  A patch to make this process automatic will be released soon.

This add-on is now bundled by default in Ubuntu Oneiric, and updates will be delivered via the Ubuntu update manager.

Launchpad page: https://launchpad.net/thunderbird-eds-extension
Issue tracker: https://bugs.launchpad.net/thunderbird-eds-extension
Feedback: https://groups.google.com/d/topic/mozilla-labs/r-R9RyLwCHU/discussion
Original Add-on page: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/eds-contact-integration/