Announcing the availablity of SPX v2.1 Beta Release.

SPX is an authentication service that enhances the security in open networks
by using public key technology.  SPX is distributed via anonymous FTP from
crl.dec.com (address 192.58.206.2).  The following files can be obtained in
the /pub/DEC/SPX directory.

	SPX.v2.*-beta.tar.Z	- SPX sources
				  (without crypto algorithm sources)
	SPX.v2.*-doc.tar.Z	- SPX documentation
	SPX-README		- SPX README notes
	kit-verifier.tar.Z	- sources for kit verifier program
	SPX-FORMS		- forms to obtain crypto algorithms

Also, for DIGITAL internal distribution, the SPX kit can be ftp'd from crl, or
copied from CRL::/pub/DEC/SPX.

Recipients can be assured that they received a valid SPX kit from DIGITAL if
the kit-verifier program returns the following checksum specified in the
SPX-README file located on crl.dec.com in the /pub/DEC/SPX directory.

	kit's name		checksum
	----------		--------
	SPX.v2.0-beta.tar.Z	a6fd2657a35a9e6f1daf08b982bd4b40
	SPX.v2.1-beta.tar.Z     47eec3e6b3d12bb071f99f938e1c0b6d

SPX Beta Release Overview

	o  This version of SPX is for Beta test only.

	o  This software is supplied "as is" with no warranty of any kind,
	   expressed or implied, for any purpose, including any warranty of
	   fitness or merchantibility.  DIGITAL assumes no responsibility for
	   the use or reliability of this software, nor promises to provide
	   any form of support for it on any basis.

	o  Distribution of this software is authorized only if no profit or
	   remuneration of any kind is received in exchange for such
	   distribution.

	o  This software produces public key authentication certificates
	   bearing an expiration date established by DIGITAL and RSA Data
	   Security, Inc.  It may cease to generate certificates after the
	   expiration date.  Any modification of this software that changes
	   or defeats the expiration date or its effect is unauthorized.

	o  SPX distribution recipients can register users and use the rtools.

	o  SPX is working towards providing a common API interface with
	   Kerberos.  Discussions refining this interface, in conjunction
	   with MIT/Project Athena, are in progress at this time.  Users
	   should be cautious about writing applications to SPX's API.  As the
	   API evolves, SPX users will be made aware of any changes through
	   the SPX distribution list.

	o  We expect to offer a new SPX version with bug fixes, and comments
	   after Beta test.

	o  Comments on how to improve the usability of SPX are welcome from
	   users.

A SPX mailing list has been created for discussions related to the deployment
of SPX public key based authentication service.  The mailing list is
intended to cover a wide range of issues including :

	o  Issues related to deployment of SPX, including technical issues,
	   deployment status, availability, etc.

	o  Issues related to protocol extensions, API issues, clarification
	   of details, unpublished changes, etc.

Please send contributions to the list at "sphinx@crl.dec.com".
Administrative requests, e.g., additions to or deletions from the list, should
be sent to "sphinx-request@crl.dec.com".

If you have questions or comments, please send them by e-mail to
"sphinx-info@crl.dec.com" or mail them to :

		SPX Distribution
		Digital Equipment Corporation
		295 Foster Street, LTN1-1/G08
		Littleton, MA 01460

		Fax: (508) 486-6014