Stephen,

I think way more people have this figured out than you think - and running their business as they need to - modern tools for XML, web services and ebXML have enabled that. At this point I'm not sure there's much more to add. I don't believe the problem you are postulating really exists - and tools like eBanking are accelerating - so that's proof positive that the issues are being resolved pragmatically right now. I know my own bank provides a hardware device to ID my online (via USB reader) and teller machine (bank) transactions - so this is in everyday common use here. The Australian government has a record of the most advanced adoption - so I'd be more inclined to believe they have this well under control despite your reservations. We clearly got over Napolean 100+ years ago.

Thanks, DW