Open network/system

A network or systems in which, at the extremes, unknown parties, possibly in a different state or national jurisdictions will exchange/trade data. To do this, will require an overarching framework which will engender trust and certainty. A user of online services might go through a single authentication process with a trusted third party, receive certification of their public key, and then be able to enter into electronic transactions/data exchanges with merchants, governments, banks etc. , using the certificate so provided for multiple purposes.