Importance

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Abstract

The disclosed hybrid architecture provides secure peer-to-peer communication between devices such as computers, wireless devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), web enabled phones or the like. This architecture includes a server or Peer Switch, which acts as an intermediary to facilitate the session and provide authentication to ensure system security. In some cases it may also provide the capability necessary to traverse firewalls and deal with proxies and other obstacles to peer-to-peer communications. The hybrid architecture allows centralized administration and policy management of authentication, obstacle transversal and security methods, to ensure the overall system integrity required by business systems. Typical peer user devices implement peer client programming, for signaling communication with the server and for peer-to-peer communications with other peer devices. A web server may also provide access via standard browsers, for users having devices lacking the peer client software.

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First Claim