Re: pgp, edi, s/mime

[Lucky Green <shamrock@netcom.com>]

On Thu, 10 Oct 1996, Raph Levien wrote:
> I think you're referring to the possibility that PGP 3.0 may use a
> public key algorithm other than RSA. However, if this is the case, it
> won't be compatible with PGP's installed base. In addition, I don't
> believe that there has been a public key encryption algorithm proposed
> which is free of patent controversy.

In about a year, ElGamal will be free from any patent burden. I have 
talked with leading users of RSA who believe that the savings by 
switching from RSA to ElGamal may be a powerful incentive for doing so.

However, the general feeling is that somebody, not said corporations, 
would have to first set up an infrastructure that uses ElGamal.

A chicken and egg problem? Or another Cypherpunks project?

--Lucky, who'd really would like to see ElGamal in wider use.