TrustedX: The Custody of Signed Documents

Introduction

Despite the ever-growing spectrum of applications based on the electronic signature, the virtualization of business processes remains unresolved. For example, the recent introduction in Spain of the DNI-e (electronic national identity card) and the Law on Citizens' Electronic Access to Public Services (Ley 11/2007) constitute a huge leap forward in terms of citizens' rights to electronic services. First and foremost however, such laws are conclusive tools without which it would not be possible to establish a consolidated framework for electronic business processes or for improved competitiveness and efficiency. This is especially true in the case of Public Administration.

Consequently, the challenge now facing the ICT sector is how to successfully emulate the paper-based processes and replace them with proven operating mechanisms which are more efficient and reliable. The premises established for the custody of signed documents guarantee the interchange of information, the access to data from different applications, the integrity, authenticity, confidentiality, quality, protection and maintenance of the stored documents.  In other words, the use of the standards for interoperability and security is a key factor, while at the same time the content management features provided by the new electronic means and the lack thereof in the paper-based processes must not be overlooked.