curity with offerings such as VPN and applications services. Server certificates ensure Internet buyers of the identity of the seller's Web site. They contain details about the Web site, such as the domain name of the site and who owns it. Third parties, such as Thawte (www.thawte.com), then guarantee this information. Sites with server certificates post the CA, and Internet browsers accept their certificates for secure transactions. There are still many security developments to come, especially with the constant introduction of new networking technologies and systems. Standards need to be defined and formalized for the likes of the various IP services and wireless/mobile networks before e-commerce will truly be able to function with the security that it mandates. For now, these are the types of mechanisms necessary to ensure that your data remains with you. This page intentionally left blank Chapter Next-Generation Networks This chapter explores the current perspectives and developments with respect to next-generation infrastructures. It is a very important chapter for both service pro- viders and end users who need to understand how the forces of convergence and emerging next-generation technologies will affect the evolution of their networks. The information covered in this chapter will help those attempting to make invest- ment decisions, develop strategic plans, or choose what to do regarding business development and marketing. This chapter covers the essentials of how architectures are shifting, and the driving forces and trends behind the new infrastructures. As discussed in this book's introduction, some evolutionary ICT trends are well on their way to making a profound impact on life as we know it, affecting commu- nications of all sorts-human-to-human, human-to-machine, machine-to-machine, and even human-to-animal. Broadband applications are redefining our notion of education, health care, government, environment, arts and entertainment, and sci- ence. The network environment is seeing the rapid growth 