Re: smtp charter (revised)

[kankkune@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Risto Kankkunen)]

> How about a new protocol (=new port number) that is initially identical
> to SMTP with only TWO differences:
> 
> 1.  Supports 8 bit text
> 
> 2.  Has a mechanism (as yet totally unspecified) for graceful extension
> to new versions of the protocol that add further enhancements.
> 
> The problems with NOT having a new port number have been elaborated ad
> nauseum, and I won't repeat them here.

I don't really understand what the problems would be, if a new port
number isn't used. I think there are concerns that 8-bit text might slip
into the 7-bit only environment. I don't see how using a new port number
would eliminate that, it might even make that more frequent. If I (or
the program) have two port-numbers to choose (one for ASCII messages,
one for 8-bit text), I might accidentally take the wrong one. Then there
is noting to stop that letter. On the other hand, if a single port is
used, but the MTA asks the receiver "can I send 8-bit text" there isn't
any possibility for a configuration or some other error to let 8-bit
text go to unwanted places.


-- 
 Risto Kankkunen                   kankkune@cs.Helsinki.FI (Internet)
 Department of Computer Science    kankkunen@finuh          (Bitnet)
 University of Helsinki, Finland   ..!mcsun!uhecs!kankkune   (UUCP)