In order to provide a quality implementation of a secret key cipher, it is estimated that approximately a month of part-time effort is required for coding, testing , packaging and supporting of a professional security provider to support the needs of AES cryptographers. This unequalled experience will be poured into the AES quest as assistance and guidance. Deep experience with Java or cryptography is not entirely necessary. Indeed, as most of the code is simple mathematical manipulation, and using the 'provider' templates, a good grounding in C or assembler is as useful as basic knowledge of Java. The most important thing is the desire to understand and code up complex manipulations, and a keenness to deliver a well thought out, quality and completed result.
Flexibility is also possible, and necessary.
With approval of the final algorithm not expected before the year 2000, this is a long-term project. There is plenty of time to move through different phases of the Java experience of cryptographic testing, optimisation, packaging and support. For points on the Curriculum Vitae, building a cryptographic provider to NIST standards cannot be beaten. For an understanding of how Java cryptographic applications are built, the Quest will be an apprenticeship that can't be missed. The AES team will be a part of the Cryptix Development Team.