Name: me32167 Date: 11/01/99


The Java Secure Socket Extension (JSSE) enables secure Internet
communications. It implements a Java version of SSL (Secure Sockets
Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols and includes
functionality for data encryption, server authentication, message
integrity, and optional client authentication. SSL and TLS are
public-key-based network security protocols widely used to
authenticate, privacy-protect, and ensure message integrity of
transactions made over the Internet.

Using JSSE, developers can provide for the secure passage of data
between a client and a server running any application protocol
(such as HTTP, Telnet, NNTP, and FTP) over TCP/IP.

By abstracting the complex underlying security algorithms and
"handshaking" mechanisms, JSSE minimizes the risk of creating
dangerous but subtle security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it
simplifies application development by serving as a building block
which developers can integrate directly into their
applications.

JSSE is implemented entirely in Java and
is currently being delivered as an optional package at
http://java.sun.com/products/jsse/

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