1. Prepare two briefing reports of about 700 words each for the MEI portal team-one about digital certificates and one about encryption. Each report should explain the technology and describe one or two common applications.
2. Assume that the MEI portal project is approved and implemented. Further assume that MEI has decided to require each customer that participates in the portal to obtain a digital certificate. Write a memo of about 500 words addressed to potential participants (MEI customers) in which you explain why they must obtain a digital certificate as a condition of participation.
You are an information technology (IT) consultant to Materials Equipment, Inc. (MEI), a major industrial equipment distributor. Its products include materials-handling machinery for assembly lines and product-packaging areas, hydraulic equipment (for moving fluids), hoses, hose fittings, and similar items. MEI has been in business for more than 70 years and sells more than $200 million worth of parts and equipment each year to its 3000 customers.