[db-wg] Improvements to database update software

[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 at ripe.net       DOES NOT EXIST
    auto-dbm at ripe.net           --> old dbupdate
    auto-dbm-new at ripe.net       DOES NOT EXIST

DAY-X, Wednesday, 23 April, 2003
The new dbupdate is available but must be requested specifically.

    auto-dbm-old at ripe.net       --> old dbupdate
    auto-dbm at ripe.net           --> old dbupdate
    auto-dbm-new at 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 at ripe.net       --> old dbupdate
    auto-dbm at ripe.net           --> new dbupdate
    auto-dbm-new at ripe.net       --> new dbupdate

DAY-Z (POST-MIGRATION), Wednesday, 4 June, 2003
The old dbupdate is no longer available.

    auto-dbm-old at ripe.net       DOES NOT EXIST
    auto-dbm at ripe.net           --> new dbupdate
    auto-dbm-new at ripe.net       DOES NOT EXIST


Best regards,

--
Shane Kerr
Database Group
RIPE NCC