Hello,

I have four items to mention in this email:

1. Version 1.38.0 is now essentially ready. Unless some unforeseen event
    occurs, I'll be releasing it in the next couple of weeks. Testers are
    urgently needed.

2. The Bacula project needs two Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 licenses.
    One for Scott Barninger (our rpm/Win32 packager), and one for me. If you 
    can help with this, please contact me. 

3. Recently, I spent $7,800 to purchase a two drive autochanger
    that I don't personally need, but is important for the Bacula project. 
    These kinds of "contributions" are too important for me, so I am now
    considering a funding plan for Bacula based on an idea I have been mulling
    over for a number of months. I'll publish a document that I have prepared 
    on the idea in the next couple of days. I would like to get your input
    and ideas before any decisions are made.

4. The data encryption project is now a reality, but we need your help. 
    Below, please see the announcement, which is also available on the 
    web site, and above all, please consider giving your support to this
    project.

-- 
Thanks,

Kern

BACULA COMMUNITY NEWS RELEASE
Backup Data Encryption Development Project
26 July 2005

WHAT
After initial discussions between Bacula project manager Kern
Sibbald, freelance open source developer Landon Fuller, and Craig
Thompson, President of WingNET Internet Services, an agreement
has been reached to begin work on the inclusion of data
encryption as an integral part of Bacula.

WHY
The purpose of this project is to provide backup clients with the
ability to securely encrypt their data for storage on Bacula
storage servers without having to worry about the possibility of
the data being accessed either by hackers or third parties.  Data
that is encrypted on Volumes on the remote server can give your
customer (or CEO) an additional peace of mind that makes the
difference between a sale or no sale.

WHO
WingNET recently expressed an interest in seeing this
functionality developed.  The concept had also been requested by
numerous individuals and companies in the recent past on the
various Bacula mailing lists.  Kern suggested asking Landon to
work on the project in order to speed up the process.

HOW
Landon Fuller has agreed to begin working on the project.  As
compensation for his time, his goal is to raise approximately
$3,000 for donation to the Electronic Freedom Foundation.
WingNET has offered to provide an initial donation of $500 for
the project.  However, YOUR support is needed to make the project
a success.  The data encryption project needs individuals and
companies who would be willing to donate any amount of money
toward the completion of the project.

WHERE
You may contribute by going to the EFF site donation page at:

https://secure.eff.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=DON_splash&JServSessionIdr006=h0do7dkvl1.app2a

and clicking on the "Gift Memberships >>" button.  You will be
asked to provide "Tribute Information" and to select an eCard
recipient.  Please use "The Bacula Project" as the honored
individual name, and please choose to send an eCard, including
the amount, to Kern Sibbald <kern at sibbald dot com>.  It is not
necessary to specify a snail-mail notification address.

By correctly sending an eCard, including the donation amount, we can
track the total amount donated for this project.

Can your company contribute $250 or $500?  How about $100?  And
if your budget is really tight, why not forego a couple of fast
food meals and contribute $20?

This is a community project, and this can be your way of helping make 
Bacula an even better product for the good of the whole community.

If you have any questions related to this project, please contact 
Kern Sibbald <kern at sibbald dot com>.

-------------------------------------------------------
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