Replies to post #4967 on Distributed Digital Property Board

[aleajactaest]

Hi unixguy,
I understand where you are coming from. But to create a reliably secure system and the kinds of possibilities that such a system generates, we need a sort of uniformity in the quality of the security which the current structure lacks.

Here's an analogy. We don't just get by with the security of physical currency. We create all kinds of special inks, and holograms and papers and chemicals, and we restrict the number of mints to a few that are very well supervised. These kinds of things. And in order for the economy to operate, we can then use the bills thus created as a medium of exchange, which EVERYONE can rely on.

So trusted computing is like this, but in the digital world. And the currency is valuable information. Indeed, that valuable information might indeed be something like money. Or something else.

So, sure. There are certain things that don't need much protection. And the current security structure is adequate, so long as you don't mind being restricted in the kinds of things you can do within a less secure system. And you are not bothered by the occasional virus or worm that gets past your defences.

But imagine for a second, there's a parallel secure network alongside the existing internet. One in which your identity is assured, in which you know when you send someone a resume, say, it cannot be accessed by a third party without your permission. One in which you can enter restricted zones without having to fill out different passwords over and over. One in which, if you write a piece of useful software, that it can be distributed from one user to another for a fee (to you) without fear that your rights are compromised. These kinds of things.

Trusted computing isn't about securing a machine. It's about building a new world of information sharing, in which unique pieces of equipment are rendered secure in order to participate in this realm of protected and valuable knowledge.

There's the one. And then there's the many. That's why I keep writing this thing: it's an architecture for the use, storage and exchange of valuable information - to be used, eventually, by everyone, but starting with the enterprise market. That's the vision.

I think you'll allow it's an ambitious one. You might also want to contemplate its almost limitless utility.