ABSTRACT
To operate business-critical applications over the Internet, enterprises need high-level, certificate-based security provided by a public key infrastructure (PKI). PKI protects applications that demand the highest level of security, enabling online banking and trading, Web services-based business process automation, digital form signing, enterprise instant messaging, and electronic commerce. In addition, it protects firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), directories, and enterprise applications.The PKI should offer comprehensive functionality, integrate easily with internal and external applications, scale to millions of users, operate flawlessly 24/7, and ensure military-grade physical security. In addition, it should allow enterprises to easily create communities of trust with partners, customers, and suppliers.
