Conclusion

• PKIs are interesting and promising, but we must remain realistic:

  • PKI are a trend set by vendors, there is a lot of media hype around them: be careful!
  • The technology and products are neither stable nor mature

• A PKI is not a goal in itself; it has to be used by applications

  • Before launching a PKI project, it is very important to identify the corresponding needs

• A PKI is a big initial investment and a long term commitment; it should not be launched lightly

• If you still believe a PKI will be very useful, you can afford it and you are ready to adapt your applications, then go ahead :-)