Patent ID: 8196182

Claim:
A method for forming a trust relationship between an array of mutually trusting systems and a new system, each comprising a processor and memory, the method comprising: introducing the new system to a first system of the array of mutually trusting systems, wherein the introduction includes the first system forming the trust relationship with the new system; transferring information to the first system of the array of mutually trusting systems from the new system, wherein the information identifies the new system; requesting a second system of the array of mutually trusting systems to form the trust relationship with the new system; in response to the request for the second system to form the trust relationship with the new system, the second system requesting if any other system of the array of mutually trusting systems already trusts the new system; in response to the second system requesting if any other system of the array of mutually trusting systems already trusts the new system, the first system responding and transferring the information to the second system of the array of mutually trusting systems; and establishing the trust relationship between the new system and each remaining system of the array of mutually trusting systems.