In October 2000, the Information Technology Services Centre (ITSC) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong undertook a research project-"Open Secure Time-Stamping Platform for E-Commerce and Protection of Intellectual Properties"-with the funds granted from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

At present, there is neither any Electronic Time-Stamping services, nor an easy-to-use software platform for companies to integrate their applications with Electronic Time-Stamping in Hong Kong or other countries in the region.

Considering the need for accurate and reliable time evidence in on-line business transactions, intellectual property protection and the existing Public Key Infrastructure, we are determined to devise a common software platform and service models to deploy the pilot Electronic Time-Stamping service for the local and regional Internet and e-commerce communities.

A project team comprising system designers, system developers and technical consultants from ITSC was formed to undertake the project. The project will be completed by the end of 2002.