[apologies for duplicate messages] Dear Colleagues, The Database Group at the RIPE NCC has been working on restructuring the dbupdate program. This is the part of the RIPE Whois server that processes update requests from users. The main goal has been to improve the acknowledgement messages that users receive from the RIPE Whois Database and provide clearer error reporting and authorisation information. We have also been able to make the software easier to maintain and modify. This will reduce the time spent fixing bugs and adding new features. Details may be found here: http://www.ripe.net/db/dbupdate/ A page further explaining the new acknowledgements can be found here: http://www.ripe.net/db/dbupdate/acknowledgments.html The new dbupdate messages have a different format. Therefore a phased approach to introducing the new server has been taken. For a period we will use the new dbupdate in parallel with the old one. This will allow people using automated tools time to update their software. PRE-MIGRATION Before the new dbupdate was available. auto-dbm-old@ripe.net DOES NOT EXIST auto-dbm@ripe.net --> old dbupdate auto-dbm-new@ripe.net DOES NOT EXIST DAY-X, Wednesday, 23 April, 2003 The new dbupdate is available but must be requested specifically. auto-dbm-old@ripe.net --> old dbupdate auto-dbm@ripe.net --> old dbupdate auto-dbm-new@ripe.net --> new dbupdate DAY-Y, Wednesday, 7 May, 2003 The new dbupdate is the default but the old dbupdate may be requested specifically. auto-dbm-old@ripe.net --> old dbupdate auto-dbm@ripe.net --> new dbupdate auto-dbm-new@ripe.net --> new dbupdate DAY-Z (POST-MIGRATION), Wednesday, 4 June, 2003 The old dbupdate is no longer available. auto-dbm-old@ripe.net DOES NOT EXIST auto-dbm@ripe.net --> new dbupdate auto-dbm-new@ripe.net DOES NOT EXIST Best regards, -- Shane Kerr Database Group RIPE NCC