Because of the nature of UNTPDC, we normally communicate with the
government or organizations endorsed by the government (such as chamber
of importer/exporter). We do not have the resources to handle the end
users directly and hence our low profile here.
The UNTPDC certification framework is global trade requirements driven
for the trade blocks we have active co-operation, in East Asia, Middle
East, Eastern Europe, Africa and North America. It is still evolving,
with consideration to the local political requirements, existing
legislations e.g. from Germany, Utah, California, and the technical
requirements from ISO/IEC, IETF PKIX, US NIST PKI, UK NHS
recommendations, and various European Union initiatives. Owing to the
lack of contact with the local government, Australia's requirements are
not addressed explicitly.
One thing we learned fast is to sort out the political requiremnets
(local situation, EU Data Protection Directive, US policies)
first before discussing technical alternatives. Our role is to
assist and to point out any possible political, technical
or cost implications of those alternatives. The main objective
is to sort out the minimum requirements for interoperatability and
mutual recognition of each other's certificates issued without
explicit bilateral agreements. There will be options above the
minimum for each country to customize it to their own particular
requirements.
> Could there be a useful role for the UNTPDC at "SEARCC98: Online Economy &
> Trading in Asia"?: http://www.searcc.org/searcc98/cfp.htm
>
Malaysia is interested to host a Trade Point Development Center for
SE Asia at Putra University right in their Multi-media Super Corridor.
Beside organizing the conference at Dubai on Feb 98, China, Korea and
Singapore have expressed the interest to request the same in 98.
Still, it might be a good chance to catch up with Mr. Stone to
talk about the good old days in Melbourne, and if he wants to
have a super SEALed tunnel to the other super corridor :)
> >...communicated with Aus DAS but that came to nothing...
>
> So did DAS. ;-)
>
Well, they could not comprehend how our policy of free listing,
free open access and free mirroring to all over the world for the
Aus government tendering info could fit into their scheme of things.
They could not understand the new internet economy of equipments
and products sponsorship based on market reach and silent sponsor
products exposure. Even after two years I think the offer is still
valid to whom it may concern :)
David Chia,
RMIT University.