github.com/leonlxy/hyperledger@v1.0.0-alpha.0.20170427033203-34922035d248/docs/source/FAQ/identity_management_FAQ.rst (about)

     1  Identity Management (Membership Service)
     2  ----------------------------------------
     3  
     4  * What is unique about the fabric's Membership Service module?
     5  
     6  One of the things that makes the Membership Service module stand out from
     7  the pack is our implementation of the latest advances in cryptography.
     8  
     9  In addition to ensuring private, auditable transactions, our Membership
    10  Service module introduces the concept of enrollment and transaction
    11  certificates. This innovation ensures that only verified owners can
    12  create asset tokens, allowing an infinite number of transaction
    13  certificates to be issued through parent enrollment certificates while
    14  guaranteeing the private keys of asset tokens can be regenerated if
    15  lost.
    16  
    17  Issuers also have the ability revoke transaction certificates or
    18  designate them to expire within a certain timeframe, allowing greater
    19  control over the asset tokens they have issued.
    20  
    21  Like most other modules on Fabric, you can always replace the
    22  default module with another membership service option should the need
    23  arise.
    24  
    25  * Does its Membership Service make Fabric a centralized
    26  solution?
    27  
    28  No. The only role of the Membership Service module is to issue digital
    29  certificates to validated entities that want to participate in the
    30  network. It does not execute transactions nor is it aware of how or when
    31  these certificates are used in any particular network.
    32  
    33  However, because certificates are the way networks regulate and manage
    34  their users, the module serves a central regulatory and organizational
    35  role.