|
|
|
|
|
| Realms are groups of services and related data that perform a coherent, real-world function for users. Each realm is represented by a realm provider that “certifies” services within its realms to guarantee particular levels of security, adherence to privacy policies, legitimacy, etc. Just as the Food and Drug Administration certifies foods as safe to eat, realm providers certify services as safe to use. |
|
| Realm providers are tasked with gaining the support of the services covered by the realm; arbitrating and publishing standards to represent data relevant to the realm; and defining the default rules that regulate how services use that data. |
|
|
|
| Ideally, realms would have distinct, non-overlapping functions such that every possible activity in every market sector would fall under the auspices of a single, supremely competent realm provider. In practice, however, there will be multiple entities attempting to represent each realm, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. This results in a competitive environment where multiple realm providers vie for the privilege of being the prime representative of a particular industry or market sector. This environment is very similar to the current environment of overlapping trade groups and industry consortiums that compete for “mindshare” and representative authority. Given this similarity, realm providers are expected to directly correlate to existing trade groups and industry consortiums, extending their ability to serve their constituents. |
|
[3 children...] |
|
| The first real functional task that realm providers must perform is to propose and publish a comprehensive set of data standards, called account profiles, that describe everything services in the realm need to know about users. |
|
[3 children...] |
|
| Realm providers are responsible for high-level administration of user data associated with a particular realm. This administration breaks down into the two major tasks of managing certification and responding to privacy violations. |
|
[2 children...] |
|
|