Re: implementations of "XML Voucher: Generic Voucher Language" ?

[Ko Fujimura <fujimura@isl.ntt.co.jp>]

Hi Rachel,

> Are you familiar with Systemics Ricardo system, which uses Ricardian
> contracts to implement the concept that you call "vouchers"?
>
> <http://www.systemics.com>
>
> This system has been around for about 5 years and has been used in the
> fields of currency, stocks and bonds. The use of "Ricardian contracts" or
> "vouchers" is a critical part of the architecture.

Yes, I read his paper presented at FC'00 about one year ago. I like the design of 
the Ricardo system since it provides both flexibility and simplicity using modular 
software components.

>
> I've copied this mail to Ian Grigg from Systemics <iang@systemics.com>,
> because I think it may be worth you both engaging in some dialogue.

Thank you.

>
> We're in the process of integrating their Ricardo system into our
> CashBox(tm) system, and I'm interested in knowing about any other companies
> who may be implementing other payment systems based on these concepts, so
> please do let me know when others do implement.

Our FlexTicket system is a smartcard-based value/rights circulation system and 
provides transferability and offline capability. There are more information on 
the protocols presented at CARDIS 2000. 
<http://info.isl.ntt.co.jp/flexticket/papers/>

Through the development of early version of this system, we learned importance 
of standardization of "contract" or "value description language" that describes 
what/how values/rights are traded between the trading partners. 
We are going to implement XML voucher as soon as it completed.

By the way, I think that generic value transfer protocols like the Ricardo' SOX 
protocols are exciting and important. But, I think it is difficult to cover all 
application area using one universal value transfer protocol. We therefore think 
that "contract" should contain a parameter that specify which the protocols 
(or "VTS provider" in XML Voucher) are used. I think it will help to develop 
generic digital wallet like your CashBox(tm).

Regards,

Ko
----------------------------------------------------------
Ko Fujimura, NTT Information Sharing Platform Laboratories
1-1 Hikarinooka, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa 239-0847, JAPAN
Tel: +81-(0)468-59-3814, Fax: +81-(0)468-59-2241
Email: fujimura@isl.ntt.co.jp