The US Senate recently approved bill allowing the use of digital signatures in many types of contracts and business transactions done on the Internet.
The move will open up the market to businesses like life insurers to sell products over the Internet.
It will also be boon to small businesses with less than 100 employ-ees who have had trouble doing business online because of the need to get written signatures on contracts.
While larger companies have for years been using electronic data interchange technology, being able to use digital signatures means anyone with web browser has access to the best capability.
Digital signatures will catapult consumers and businesses into the mainstream of Internet commerce like never before, said Information Tech-nology Association of America president, Harris Miller.

Agri experts warn New Zealand’s food and fibre future could arrive by default rather than by design
Despite near universal optimism in the rural sector, a panel of New Zealand’s leading food and agri minds say the sector must be intentional about its future path if it’s to successfully navigate the social, economic, environmental and technological forces impacting its operating environment.









