The Universal Caller Identity concept is launched at UCI.firetrench.com.
The concept originates in a series of lecturers given by Ian
Johnstone-Bryden at the Cranfield Institute of Technology in the mid 1970s,
addressing the convergence of computing and communications technology. Then
it was becoming clear that multi-media communications would be possible as
the Internet developed and expanded outside the US, and electro-mechanical
telephone switching began to be replaced by computer-based switches,
multiplexers, routers, and broadband communications channels. At that time
Johnstone-Bryden was working on mobile and fixed communications concepts
that led into the first cellular telephone networks.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Johnstone-Bryden was engaged in the development
of information security, the development of risk management as an holistic
system for government and commercial use, and the creation of development
assurance techniques and technologies. Together with colleagues, he hoped
that the various information technology industries would come together and
produce the basis for the development of universal caller/user identity
systems that would provide the protection necessary in a multi-media global
communications environment.
Although some information technology industries have made important steps
forward in identity assurance and information security there has been no
consistent effort by the individual groups to work together on a
multi-media approach.
Johnstone-Bryden has written a short concept book, published electronically
by Nighthawk Publishing, and available as a free download from the download
section at UCI.firetrench.com. This concept document has been written in
discussion with FIRE Project colleagues and is intended as a starting point
towards a true global multi-media identity system.
UCI.firetrench.com will host news and discussions on the subject of
Universal Caller Identity issues and a pilot UCI system will be added to
the portal. It is hoped that this initiative will generate a discussion
that will lead to a workable Universal system.
