Authentication
 
 
Deployment of an open, scaleable, flexible authentication system is difficult & expensive
Current solutions include:
- Server-based username and password schemes
 - IP-based schemes
 - Athens - Based on replicated Sybase application See <URL: http://www.athens.ac.uk/>
 - W3C DSig work - Digital Signatures Initiative.  See <URL: http://www.w3.org/DSig/>
 - Other Public Key developments - e.g. reports of Post Office involvement, statements from Tony Blair, EU, ..
"In May 1998 the Commission published its proposal for a "European Parliament and Council Directive on a Common Framework for Electronic Signatures" (COM(1998)297)."