Understanding Public-Key Infrastructure: Concepts, Standards, and Deployment Considerations

Application Enabler

The primary goal of the security infrastructure is to function as an "application enabler." The electric power infrastructure is an application enabler in the sense that it enables "applications," such as toasters and lamps, to operate correctly. Furthermore, the generality and utility of the electrical infrastructure is such that it can support "applications" (such as hair dryers, for example) that were unknown at the time it was designed.

Note

The word application is used with respect to the security infrastructure in the sense of any module that uses the infrastructure for security purposes, such as a Web browser, an e-mail client, or an IPsec-enabled device.

The security infrastructure enables applications to add ...