A web-centric framework for secure and binding electronic transactions

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to present a web-centric framework for conducting secure and legally binding electronic transactions. This framework would create the confidence to achieve a large-scale replacement of paper-based transactions prevalent today, with secure and legally binding electronic transactions. The approach used - in this research effort - in achieving this goal, is two-phased. While the first phase focuses on developing a framework for conducting secure and legally binding transactions in a specific industry namely, the $3.2 Trillion construction industry, the latter part of the thesis addresses the security needs of e-commerce transactions in general through the development of an e- Notary service. The A/E/C specific implementation, in the first phase of this research effort not only provides very valuable insight into some of the most important concerns in conducting electronic transactions today, but also highlights the technology components required to conduct secure and legally binding transactions over the Internet, through the creation of models for secure communication and secure information management. Thus, it serves as a precursor to create a generic framework for conducting secure electronic transactions through the development of an e-Notary service, in the second phase, that provide secure and legally binding third-party security services to transaction service providers like e-commerce corporations and government organizations, enabling these organizations to focus on their core business