verisign code signing certificates help software developer build trust ...

CASE STUDYVERISIGN CODESIGNING CERTIFICATESHELP SOFTWAREDEVELOPER BUILDTRUST WITH GLOBALMANUFACTURERSNow fromVeriSignAuthentication Services

VERISIGN CODE SIGNINGCERTIFICATES HELP SOFTWAREDEVELOPER BUILD TRUST WITHGLOBAL MANUFACTURERSAPEX Software Development is the development arm of APEX ManufacturingSolutions, a Boise, Idaho-based company that provides end-to-end integrationsolutions and services for the manufacturing sector. Through a joint venture withSoftware Toolbox—an ISV that specializes in developing tools and components forthe automation industry—APEX launched FactoryWidgets, an easy-to-use programthat allows staff to monitor production processes in real time. FactoryWidgets servesa range of global manufacturers, including Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Ocean Spray,and Boise Cascade.CHALLENGE: PROTECT SOFTWARE TO HELP ENTERPRISECUSTOMERS ENSURE SAFE, EFFICIENT PRODUCTIONTechnology is an integral part of the modern manufacturing process, making itmore efficient—and more complex—than ever before. To help ensure productionlines and machines are functioning properly, many companies invest in costly, highlyspecialized software. “A lot of manufacturing programs are hugely expensive and areused mainly by operations,” says John Nichols, Managing Director at APEX. “There’sa wealth of data in those systems that can’t be accessed by managers and other staffbecause it’s too complex and expensive.”Recognizing the need for a more cost-effective option that is easier to use, the APEXteam developed FactoryWidgets. “Our widgets sit right on the desktop so users canmonitor key performance indicators while using other applications, like Outlook,Excel, or their web browsers,” Nichols says. “With FactoryWidgets, anyone in anorganization can keep an eye on manufacturing productivity without affecting theirpersonal productivity.”As Nichols points out, manufacturing requires tightly controlled operations, sosecurity is top of mind for the APEX team. “Our software connects with coresystems that run operations on the factory floor. If an unauthorized person tamperswith those systems, it could lead to serious production loss or safety issues,” he says.“Running unsecured software in any manufacturing environment is unacceptable, sowe knew we needed a solution that would prove to our customers that our widgetsare authentic and safe to use.”SOLUTION: LEADING CODE SIGNING SOLUTION THAT IS EASYTO IMPLEMENTThe task of finding a solution to protect FactoryWidgets fell to Kristopher Baker,the lead software developer at APEX. Thanks to the well-known reputationof VeriSign Authentication Services, his search did not take long. “VeriSignCASE STUDYSOLUTION SUMMARYWith FactoryWidgets, APEX SoftwareDevelopment enables managers atmanufacturing companies to monitorproduction processes quickly andeasily. Since APEX software integrateswith core production systems, thecompany must ensure the security ofits programs. That’s why the APEXteam selected VeriSign Code SigningCertificates, now from Symantec, todigitally sign its applications. NowAPEX can guarantee the integrityof FactoryWidgets and meet therigorous security standards of itsenterprise customers.Industry:• ManufacturingKey Challenges:• Secure software to protect enterpriseproduction systems• Meet the strict security requirementsof global manufacturing companies• Bolster trust in company and itsdownloadable software productsSolution:• VeriSign® Code Signing CertificatesResults:• Safeguards software to help ensuresafe, efficient manufacturingprocesses• Boosts company reputation asreliable provider of enterprisesolutions• Gives users clear message thatwidget files are authentic and safeto install1Now fromVeriSignAuthentication Services

CASE STUDYAuthentication Services is the first thing that comes to mind when you think aboutsecurity products like SSL Certificates, so it seemed like an ideal provider for digitalsignatures too,” he says. “That, combined with a strong recommendation from ourpartner, Software Toolbox, made VeriSign Code Signing Certificates the clear choice.”After reading documentation at the VeriSign web site, Baker was able to implementthe Code Signing Certificates easily. “This was my first experience installing CodeSigning Certificates, but it was simple and straightforward,” he says. “Now we useVeriSign Code Signing Certificates to digitally sign all of our client and serversidesoftware, including our .exe, .cab., and .dll files. Customers can see thatFactoryWidgets comes from a trusted source and feel a lot safer installing softwarethat doesn’t warn them about not having a valid digital signature.”“We work with global customersthat have strict security policiesand procedures that must befollowed. Even though our softwareis lower cost, VeriSign Code SigningCertificates help us show that wefollow best practices in softwaredevelopment and create productsthat meet the highest standards forintegrity, security, and performance.”—John Nichols, Managing Director,APEX Software DevelopmentRESULTS: BUILDING A TRUSTED REPUTATION WITHGLOBAL MANUFACTURERSAfter implementing VeriSign Code Signing Certificates, APEX has been ableto bolster trust in its company and its software, a fact that has helped makeFactoryWidgets a viable option for enterprise manufacturers. “When peoplethink of widgets, they often think of games or other fun apps for their desktopsor phones where security is an afterthought,” Nichols says. “With VeriSign CodeSigning Certificates, we’ve been able to show customers that FactoryWidgets isa secure, professional product that’s appropriate for use in global manufacturingenvironments. That’s critical to boosting our appeal to enterprise users.”According to Nichols, VeriSign Code Signing Certificates have also helped APEXmeet the exacting standards of enterprise IT departments. “We work with globalcustomers that have strict security policies and procedures that must be followed,”he says. “Even though our software is lower cost, VeriSign Code Signing Certificateshelp us show that we follow best practices in software development and createproducts that meet the highest standards for integrity, security, and performance.”FUTURE: EXPANDING DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORINGMOBILE SOLUTIONSGoing forward, APEX will explore creating FactoryWidgets apps for Apple ® iOSand Android devices, as well as tablet computers. Beyond that, the APEX teamplans to continue developing innovative, low-cost software for the manufacturingsector. “Our vision is to offer easy-to-use, cost-effective solutions that you can’t getfrom typical software vendors. Right now, VeriSign Code Signing Certificates are keyto helping us do that.”Visit www.VeriSign.com for more information.2Copyright © 2011 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved. Symantec, the Symantec Logo, Norton, and theCheckmark Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. andother countries. VeriSign, VeriSign Trust, and other related marks are the trademarks or registered trademarks ofVeriSign, Inc. or its affiliates or subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries and licensed to Symantec Corporation.Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.Now fromVeriSignAuthentication Services