All of this discussion of X.500 and X.509v3 is very interesting,
but can anyone summarize where the MIME/PEM draft currently
stands?
I can tell you about the documents themselves.
The Security Multiparts document is done. We're waiting for action from
the Chair.
I'm the "stuckee" for the MIME/PEM document, which means I'm the acting
editor. I've been promising a new version real soon now. This new
version will, *editorially*, be radically different from the current
version. So much so that a 'diff' would be meaningless.
There are two reasons for this. First of all, the document no longer
depends on RFC 1421. I've incorporated text from that document to make
this document self-standing. Yeah!
Second, the protocol has been renamed. Although the protocol is a lot
like the PEM defined in RFC 1421 of the RFC 142x suite, it was felt that
the protocol should not be confused with that suite of documents.
Therefore, the name will be MIME Object Security Services (MOSS).
It's coming to a computer in your area, real soon now!
Jim