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

Summary

This chapter has focused on the benefits of a PKI, and it has briefly discussed some of the cost considerations that should be evaluated as part of the business case development process. It is clear that the promise of ubiquitous security is seldom a sufficient business driver in itself. Ultimately, it is the business drivers and associated cost justification that should dictate whether or not a given technology is appropriate.

In addition to understanding the benefits and associated costs of a PKI, it is also important to realize that corporate-level "buy-in" is instrumental in achieving a successful deployment. Approval from all major departments will greatly increase the chances that the deployment of the PKI will be both graceful ...