RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format. An RSS document (which is called a "feed", "web feed" or "channel") includes full or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and authorship. RSS feeds can be read using software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader", or "aggregator", which can be web-based, desktop-based, or mobile-device-based. The user subscribes to a feed by entering into the reader the feed's URI or by clicking a feed icon in a web browser that initiates the subscription process.
From Microsoft SharePoint point-of-view, users can use RSS feeds to receive alerts on SharePoint pages, Lists, document libraries and other SharePoint components which support RSS publishing. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Outlook support RSS feeds to receive updates.
Adding RSS feeds from SharePoint Page/List to Internet Explorer
In Microsoft SharePoint 2010, to check if the list or the SharePoint page has a RSS feed available, you can check the RSS icon on the Internet Explorer, Firefox or any other browser. If the icon is highlighted, it means RSS feeds are available for the SharePoint component you are viewing. Check the following example for a SharePoint List in Internet Explorer -
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Now click on the RSS feed icon to view the RSS feeds of the List.
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Click on ‘Subscribe to this feed’ to add the feed in Internet Explorer feed list. In future, if you want to see which all feeds you have subscribed in Internet Explorer, check the Favorites > Feeds Tab.
To view the feeds, check the Favorites > Feeds tab and click on the desired feed to view the updates.
Adding RSS feeds from SharePoint Page/List to Microsoft Outlook
To add the RSS feed to Microsoft Outlook, copy the RSS feed URL. Right-click on RSS Feeds folder in Microsoft Outlook and click on ‘Add a New RSS Feed’. Paste the RSS feed URL in the box, click on Add and click on Yes. You might be asked for the credentials as the feeds are being accessed from a site which needs credentials for access.
Once done, you will see the feed under RSS feeds folder.
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Once RSS feeds are added, they will look like following in Microsoft Outlook. New RSS updates will display as unread items in the feed list.
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