The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of a secure peer-to-peer network environment. Our project, called SCORE (Secure Communication Object Repository Environment), is intended to show that a robust, hardy, secure peer-to-peer network environment can meet the needs of the military to integrate diverse data sources in the context of efforts such as the Joint Battlespace Infosphere (JBI) and other large-scale battle management C3 systems. The SCORE approach overcomes many of the problems associated with peer-to-peer networks by using Avanzas patented approach to create an environment that secures all data before it becomes vulnerable and by encapsulating the data without regard to its original format. Unlike existing collaborative computing frameworks, it is a true peer-to-peer approach, because any machine on the network can function as the environments administrative server if needed. It is scalable and flexible, and runs on off-the-shelf hardware using standard communication protocols. SCORE presents an exciting opportunity to provide a robust, adaptable, practical approach to network connectivity in a battle management C3I environment. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Avanza foresees a number of commercial applications for the type of secure object environment envisioned for this project. SCOREs thorough approach to security and flexibility in handling files and messages means that it is well-suited for creating a variety of custom peer-to-peer solutions. Here are some examples: * Creating a package of secure communications services, such as private chat rooms, spam-proof e-mail addresses, and B2B solutions, that an internet service provider can offer as a value-added proposition to its users. * Creating a secure collaboration platform for corporate workgroups that offers the security of a virtual private network without all the overhead and allows the workgroup to use all their current applications with complete confidence in the security and integrity of their data. * Creating a music download service with the simplicity and flexibility of Napster, but offering superior piracy resistance and user privacy protection.
Keywords: peer to peer computing, managed network, collaborative computing, XML, distributed computing, .NET, secure network
