A new Request for Comments is now available in online RFC libraries.


        RFC 1428:

        Title:      Transition of Internet Mail from Just-Send-8
                    to 8bit-SMTP/MIME
        Author:     G. Vaudreuil
        Mailbox:    GVaudre@CNRI.Reston.VA.US
        Pages:      6
        Characters: 12,064
        Updates/Obsoletes:  none


Protocols for extending SMTP to pass 8bit characters have been defined
in RFC 1425 and RFC 1426. These protocols require that messages
transported by the extended SMTP are to be encoded in MIME (RFCs 1341,
1342).  Before work began on these protocols, several SMTP
implementations adopted ad-hoc mechanisms for sending 8bit data. It is
desirable for the extended SMTP environment and these ad hoc
mechanisms interoperate.  This document outlines the problems in this
environment and an approach to minimizing the cost of transition from
current usage of non-MIME 8bit messages to MIME.

This RFC provides information for the Internet community.  It does not
specify an Internet standard.  Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

This announcement is sent to the IETF list and the RFC-DIST list.
Requests to be added to or deleted from the IETF distribution list
should be sent to IETF-REQUEST@CNRI.RESTON.VA.US.  Requests to be added
to or deleted from the RFC-DIST distribution list should be sent to
RFC-REQUEST@NIC.DDN.MIL.

Details on obtaining RFCs via FTP or EMAIL may be obtained by sending
an EMAIL message to "rfc-info@ISI.EDU" with the message body 
"help: ways_to_get_rfcs".  For example:

	To: rfc-info@ISI.EDU
	Subject: getting rfcs

	help: ways_to_get_rfcs

Requests for special distribution should be addressed to either the
author of the RFC in question, or to NIC@NIC.DDN.MIL.  Unless
specifically noted otherwise on the RFC itself, all RFCs are for
unlimited distribution.

Submissions for Requests for Comments should be sent to
RFC-EDITOR@ISI.EDU.  Please consult RFC 1111, "Instructions to RFC
Authors", for further information.


Joyce K. Reynolds
USC/Information Sciences Institute