Understanding Electronic Signatures
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The recently passed Federal Electronic Signature legislation will now enable true e-business solutions.
By giving electronic signatures the same legal weight as wet ink signatures on paper, the legislation
enables enterprises to nally realize a fully electronic process ow (even those involving contracts and
endorsements).
The Federal Electronic Signature legislation is "technology neutral" and defers to the marketplace for
competitive selection of the technology variations. The two main technologies that have emerged in
the signature space are Signature Dynamics and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). If properly deployed,
each of these technology approaches meet the basic requirements for a legally acceptable electronic
signature. These technologies are dramatically different in their approach but can also be integrated
together in a complimentary way. In evaluating which technology is best for a given enterprise, many
variables need to be considered not least of which are the specic applications involved. Before comparing
and contrasting Signature Dynamics and PKI it will be helpful to take a brief look at the basic
elements of an electronic signature.
The Federal Legislation (E-SIGN Bill) effective October 1, 2000 conrms that states must allow the
use of electronic signatures if the two parties involved agree to this method of signing. However, each
state is empowered to legislate its own electronic signature requirements...