Abstract: Techniques for administering and provisioning policies are provided. Policies are translated to an intermediate format and provisioned to heterogeneous devices in native formats of those devices. Administration and interfaces to define and update the policies may occur in the intermediate format or in the native formats. Policies may be combined across devices and published from one device to another device. Policies may also be associated and administered for policy enforcement points.

Abstract: Techniques for distributing content over a network via keys are provided. A key is associated with a particular destination or with a particular piece of content. A path management service derives and selectively communicates portions of a network path for moving the content to a destination on the basis of a value for a key. Any intermediate processing resource receives a next location within the path for forwarding the content from the path management service in response to presenting the key.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for trusted key distribution. A key distribution or an identity service acts as an intermediary between participants to a secure network. The service provisions and manages the distribution of keys. The keys are used for encrypting communications occurring within the secure network.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for establishing privileged paths for data packets over a network. A data packet is received with a header; the header includes a route selector. The route selector assists in resolving a privileged path for the data packet. The data packet is injected into the network over the resolved privileged path.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering of web-based content in a proxy cache server environment provides a local network having a client, a directory server and a proxy cache server that caches predetermined Internet-derived web content within the network. When content is requested, it is vended to the client only if it meets predefined user policies for acceptability. These policies are implemented based upon one or more ratings lists provided by content rating vendors. The lists are downloaded to the network in whole or part, and cached for use in determining acceptability of content by a filter application. Ratings can be particularly based upon predetermined content categories. Caching occurs in a host or object cache for rapid access. Only if current ratings are not found in the host or object caches are ratings caches or vendors accessed for ratings. Ratings on requested content are then placed in the host or object cache for subsequent use.