Sun/Netscape Alliance makes PKI code open source

NEWS Efforts to create an open source Web browser were boosted this week by the public release of industry-strength encryption tools. The Sun/Netscape Alliance has donated its public key infrastructure (PKI) source code to Mozilla.org, the group compiling the browser. The move enables any developer to build Web programs to manage digital certificates - tools which are fast becoming essential to any online transaction. Sun/Netscape's decision follows the US government's decision to relax its rules on the export of encryption software. Code for both PKI architecture and secure sockets layer (SSL) will be available on http://www.mozilla.org from 31 March.