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Re: Secure networks 

The definition provided here is not very practical.  The adjective
"absolute"  needs to be elaborated more fully, i.e., by whom and for what
reason.  The definition goes on to say "can prevent the further
distribution of material" so that intent is clear, but even there, there
could be a problem.  Even if a system is secure in terms of individuals
that can access it, those same individuals can redistribute material they
have retrieved unless the only thing they can do read it on a screen. 
Must the institution be able to "absolutely"  control that? 

The only completely secure network is one not connected to any other
institution.  For server security, there are various levels of control
that can be in place.  How much you apply depends on the objective. 

--------------


--- Ann Okerson wrote:
We have in hand a license from an important journal publisher, for
this publisher's electronic versions.  It's pretty good.  But therein
is a definition that reads:

	"Secure" with regard to the server or Network from which access 
	to Authorized Users is to be given means:  only a server or
	Network or Networks over which the Institution has absolute
	control and can prevent the further distribution of material.

This definition is later used in important clauses pertaining to use and
so on.  My question:  This seems to me an unusually high standard
("absolute control") which in turn makes ultra-high expectations of
licensing institutions -- ones that we cannot commit to.   So, two
questions:

1.  Are we reading this correctly, or is there some other interpretation?

2.  Are there, in fact, such secure servers/networks in academiia, ones
over which the instituions do have absolute control?  How does one create
such a highly secure environment? 

Thank you, Ann Okerson
Yale University Library
Ann.Okerson@yale.edu
--- end of quote ---


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