mail password crypto mechanism

I'd like to open a thread concerning Mail Password issues.
I haven't been able to find a resource to describe the Mail password mechanism. I believe/hope there will be a (crypto) API that will simply take a string and replace it with or otherwise provide an encrypted password. No knowledge of a key or anything else at the developer's end required.
Is there such? Something else? Code samples, White papers, Vista Beta Mail contacts?
Rhetoric: How would such an API expose MS?
Aside: links to ANY detailed Microsoft Mail API's and objects and libraries are warmly welcomed!
-- Thanks so much, george _________________________ George S. Lockwood Lead Client Developer peoplePC, an EarthLink company