“On Sept. 20, the patent on RSA’s namesake public-key encryption
algorithm will expire, allowing it to slip into the public
domain.”
“While the expiration won’t adversely affect RSA — the San
Mateo, Calif., company has spent the last three years diversifying,
ensuring that it doesn’t rely on algorithm licensing revenue —
one thing is clear: The cost of adding good encryption to
software will likely drop.“
“Coupled with the Clinton administration’s decision this month
to drop most controls on encryption exports — meaning that
security vendors won’t have to develop separate domestic and
exportable versions of their products — that’s good news for
IT.”