SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CERTIFICATION-RELATED AND OTHER SERVICES

摘要

Disclosed is a system for warranting the identity of a party over an electronic network. The system comprises a root entity (104) and a plurality of additional entities (106, 108, 110). Each additional entity is admitted t o the system after agreeing to abide by a plurality of operating rules promulgated by the root entity. The additional entities may comprise level-o ne participants (106) and level-two participants (110). Certificate authorites maintained by the level-one participants issue digital certificates to their customers. The certificates bind the customers to their public keys. System customers are also provided with a warranty request formatter which is adapt ed to formulate a request for a warranty as to the veracity of information contained in a digital certificate. Warranty offers are issued by the participant that issued the digital certificate identified in the warranty request.