A new Request for Comments is now available in online RFC libraries. RFC 2044: Title: UTF-8, a transformation format of Unicode and ISO 10646 Author: F. Yergeau Date: October 1996 Mailbox: fyergeau@alis.com Pages: 6 Characters: 11,932 Updates/Obsoletes: None URL: ftp://ds.internic.net/rfc/rfc2044.txt The Unicode Standard, version 1.1, and ISO/IEC 10646-1:1993 jointly define a 16 bit character set which encompasses most of the world's writing systems. 16-bit characters, however, are not compatible with many current applications and protocols, and this has led to the development of a few so-called UCS transformation formats (UTF), each with different characteristics. UTF-8, the object of this memo, has the characteristic of preserving the full US-ASCII range: US-ASCII characters are encoded in one octet having the usual US-ASCII value, and any octet with such a value can only be an US-ASCII character. This provides compatibility with file systems, parsers and other software that rely on US-ASCII values but are transparent to other values. This memo provides information for the Internet community. This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any kind. 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-DIST-REQUEST@ISI.EDU. 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 admin@DS.INTERNIC.NET. 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 1543, Instructions to RFC Authors, for further information. Joyce K. Reynolds and Mary Kennedy USC/Information Sciences Institute