Abstract: Automated file distribution is described. A member of a peer-to-peer network receives from a file server, a file to be distributed. The file is then distributed via the peer-to-peer network to other members of the peer-to-peer network. Members of the peer-to-peer network can choose whether or not to receive a file from another member based on a trust level or reputation associated with the member. The trust level may be based, at least in part, on a number of degrees of separation between the members. Furthermore the file is verified, for example, by validating a digital signature associated with the file.

Abstract: A root silo that authorizes one or more clients to access one or more services at one or more servicing silos receives a request from a client for interaction with a service. The root silo identifies a servicing silo as an available provider of the service for interacting with the client and generates a servicing certificate that contains (i) service entitlement information showing that the client is entitled to interact with the service at the servicing silo, (ii) location information identifying a location of the servicing silo, and (iii) one or more keys for use in secure communication between the client and the servicing silo. Having generated the servicing certificate, the root silo sends the servicing certificate to the client for the client to use when interacting with the service at the servicing silo.

Abstract: A root silo that authorizes one or more clients to access one or more services at one or more servicing silos receives a request from a client for interaction with a service. The root silo identifies a servicing silo as an available provider of the service for interacting with the client and generates a servicing certificate that contains (i) service entitlement information showing that the client is entitled to interact with the service at the servicing silo, (ii) location information identifying a location of the servicing silo, and (iii) one or more keys for use in secure communication between the client and the servicing silo. Having generated the servicing certificate, the root silo sends the servicing certificate to the client for the client to use when interacting with the service at the servicing silo.