SEMPER is developing a generic architecture for secure electronic commerce over networks, in particular the Internet. This includes a design and a Java-based prototype implementation of a security toolkit for electronic commerce. The toolkit offers all necessary security services, based on the concept of 'service managers' that provide a generic service interface to 'service modules', in charge of providing the required service. New modules, corresponding to specific service implementations and products, can easily be integrated. The initial version of the toolkit is based on existing modules, like the payment modules 'ecash' and 'SET'. For its enhanced version, new protocols and modules will be developed and integrated where necessary.
SEMPER has published its survey findings on business, legal, and technical requirements. SEMPER foremost result is its model and its generic and open security architecture for the electronic marketplace. SEMPER architecture is independent of specific hardware and software platforms and of network architectures. The most fundamental electronic commerce services, such as secure offering, order, payment and information delivery, have been developed and integrated. SEMPER first trial is ready to start.