Technique for reliable message confirmation

摘要

A technique for exchanging messages in a computer network using a public data template and a message transfer protocol with interdependent request and confirmation messages is described. A request message includes a first data structure obtained by packing application data that requires confirmation in the public data template. A network component receiving the request message unpacks the application data and provides the unpacked application data to a confirmation process. At the same time, the unpacked application data provided to the confirmation process is repacked in the public data template to generate a second data structure. The second data structure is sent with a confirmation message via the computer network to the sender of the request message. By comparing the content of the first data structure with the content of the second data structure, inconsistencies degrading the accuracy and trustworthiness of the confirmation process may be detected.