Electronic mail is a global phenomenon. PGP is used throughout the world. Both are used by all groups within the community, by individuals and multinationals, by academics, medics and military personel. JANET users communicate with all of these. It is essential, in our view, that JANET marches in step. Accordingly, we recommend that UKERNA plays an active role in developing national and international standards, such as IETF Internet Request For Comments.
Virtually all PGP-related material at present is either public domain, freeware or purchasable at very low cost. This has undoubtedly been a major contribution to its widespread distribution, availability and popularity, themselves being stimuli for the building of further products. We therefore recommend that software, specifications, procedures and similar intangible products created as a consequence of UKERNA-sponsored activity be released freely back to the community which has provided so much already.