End-user requirements for high-integrity directory

Internet development has evolved in three phases; storage, search/retrieval, and pervasive use. (1) The storage phase was utilized initially by scientific computer users. (2) The computer community is presently experiencing the emergence of information search and retrieval in the form of hypermedia with the World-Wide Web. (3) Research is being conducted at several DOE laboratories to integrate information between machines and people enhancing the intrinsic use of computers into their homes and workplaces. With the increase in the use of communication tools such as the WWW on the Internet, private users, organizations, and automated processes alike need reliable access to electronic addressing information. Access to this information is provided via electronic directories. These directories must be infallible. An electronic directory must be as reliable and easy to access as a standard telephone directory service. Users of the directory must be able to trust the integrity of the data, and there must be certain "rights" to guarantee data that is provided on those registrants included in the directory.