Wibu-Systems https://www.wibu.com/ en-gb Wibu-Systems Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:15:58 +0100 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:15:58 +0100 TYPO3 EXT:news news-6252 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0100 Wibu-Systems Security Technology Shields Rail Tech from Cyber Threats https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-protects-rail-tech-from-cyber-threats.html CodeMeter protects Intelligence on Wheels’ TrainCAS rail collision warning system for safe and secure rail travel CodeMeter protects Intelligence on Wheels’ TrainCAS rail collision warning system for safe and secure rail travel

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in the software licensing and protection industry, announced that Intelligence on Wheels (IoW), an offshoot of Germany’s aerospace pioneers DLR, has integrated CodeMeter technology into its TrainCAS collision warning system to prevent cyber-attacks, protect IP, and provide a secure licensing solution. With a three-prong approach, TrainCAS brings together train-to-train communication, accurate self-localization, and situation analysis and decision support systems to empower rail operators and their staff on the ground to keep their trains running routinely and safely or to make quick, but well-informed decisions to avoid impending collisions. CodeMeter from Wibu-Systems provides proven cryptographic security-by-design and licensing solutions for protecting critical infrastructure against cyber-security threats.

Rolling stock collisions are among the rarest, but also the most catastrophic accidents and disasters in modern rail operations. Unlike the more common accidents, such as collisions with road vehicles at crossings or other objects on the track or technical failures that can be easily identified, train-on-train collisions can come down to a vast variety of factors, from human error to hardware or software malfunction. Furthermore, rail operators must contend with a mix of modern, interconnected rail operating systems and tracks and a vast variety of rolling stock on their lines at the same time.

First and foremost, the TrainCAS collision warning system is designed to help save the lives of rail passengers. The system comprises a combination of sophisticated hardware, software, and data that not only has to be protected against threats from hackers or other malicious actors for safe and secure rail travel purposes, but also against undue attention and exploitation by competitors, less ethical users, or simply overly curious third parties. In the railroad industry, a model of robust engineering and regulatory oversight, solutions for safeguarding intellectual property and software license management must navigate the technical landscape and stringent mandates, especially considering the sector’s key role in today’s mass mobility infrastructure.

The sophisticated technologies built into IoW’s TrainCAS system and the potential for criminal misuse make security and IP protection a paramount concern for the company. IoW turned to Wibu-Systems for its award-winning CodeMeter technology to encrypt and license its software and provide the hardware-based cryptographic security components to be built into the TrainCAS onboard technology in the field.

CodeMeter hardware was adapted to a rugged and tamper proof hardware solution to safeguard license repositories and provide safe havens for executing the crypto code during runtime for added protection against hackers. The TrainCAS software and the constituent trackmaps that enable the exceptionally reliable situation detection are secured by a combination of CodeMeter AxProtector and Core API tools chosen specifically to match the mixed embedded systems used by Intelligence on Wheels. This prevents both unauthorized use by unlicensed users and tampering, intentional or unintentional, by people trying to manipulate the system.

Dr. Thomas Strang, CEO, Intelligence on Wheels GmbH, noted: “For us, security-for-safety has two meanings: protecting the IP that makes our business possible and protecting trains out on the tracks against cyber-attacks. Working with our likeminded partners at Wibu-Systems was a pleasure, and holding the CodeMeter hardware in my hands gives me the same feeling of reassurance I get when I see our TrainCAS systems in action.”

Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales & KAM, WIBU-SYSTEMS AG added: “For its principle of “security-for-safety“, Intelligence on Wheels places equal emphasis on the reliability of its safety systems as it does on the security of its IP and the system’s protection from tampering and sabotage. That’s why CodeMeter was the perfect solution to not only protect human lives from tragic rail collisions, but to protect IP and keep IoW’s competitive advantage intact.”

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news-6239 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0100 Wibu-Systems provides information on March 20 about IT security in manufacturing https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-provides-information-about-it-security-in-manufacturing.html

This Press Release is only available in German.

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news-6213 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0100 ETM professional control Chooses Wibu-Systems CodeMeter Technology for Protecting and Licensing its WinCC Open Architecture Platform https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/protecting-scada-applications-etm-chooses-codemeter.html CodeMeter protects WinCC OA software against unauthorized usage and provides versatile license management for its customers CodeMeter protects WinCC OA software against unauthorized usage and provides versatile license management for its customers

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in the software licensing and protection industry, announced that ETM professional control, the developer of SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture, has chosen to implement Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter solution for protecting and licensing its software. WinCC OA is a flexible and scalable SCADA framework, designed for controlling large-scale applications in a variety of industrial and public and private infrastructural sectors. CodeMeter is Wibu-Systems’ flagship security suite of interoperable modules geared towards safeguarding software against piracy, reverse engineering, tampering, and cyberattacks.

WinCC OA software is at the core of some of the most intricate SCADA systems, operated remotely and distributed globally. Its open architecture easily adapts to the adoption of new technologies. With the rapid advent of cloud systems and modern environments like Docker containers or cloud clusters, the need for open and flexible software that is robust enough to protect the integrity and security of WinCC OA, especially for distributed, decentralized connected components, is paramount.

In a global economy where business models and regulatory requirements are constantly evolving, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. The combination of CodeMeter and WinCC OA software allows for the implementation of uniform protection and a fully aligned licensing system across all platforms, from ARM to x86 and from native systems like Windows and Linux to mobile and web interfaces. CodeMeter's agility in ensuring secure licenses in distributed and decentralized configurations offers added value, enabling users to easily handle license upgrades, add or remove features, and scale their WinCC OA projects up or down without having to interact with an ETM representative.

The synergy between ETM and Wibu-Systems serves as a guarantee for growth and adaptability over time, making the WinCC OA software solution resistant to technological changes and possible disruptions. This resilience, combined with the software's ability to handle both standard workflows and specific customer requests, significantly contributes to its continued success and customer satisfaction.

Dr. Bernhard Reichl, CEO of ETM professional control, said: “Using CodeMeter for license generation and protection of our SCADA product SIMATIC WinCC OA enables us to expand our global business together with our partners. With CodeMeter, not only are we protected against unauthorized usage, but the technology of Wibu-Systems also secures the valuable know-how of our integration partners’ solutions.”

Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management of Wibu-Systems, added: “We recognize the value of flexibility, particularly for SCADA projects requiring a high degree of client-specific adaptability or imposed by specific system requirements and functions, like those found in energy, oil & gas, and building automation industries. CodeMeter's ability to ensure secure licenses in distributed and decentralized configurations offers a distinct advantage, giving users unprecedented versatility in managing their licenses.”

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news-6222 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0100 35 Years of Excellence: Wibu-Systems Continues to Lead in Cybersecurity and Software Licensing https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/35-years-of-excellence-wibu-systems-continues-to-lead-in-cybersecurity-and-software-licensing.html Reflecting on Three and a Half Decades of Innovation, Commitment, and Digital Transformation Reflecting on Three and a Half Decades of Innovation, Commitment, and Digital Transformation

For over three decades, Wibu-Systems has been at the forefront of cybersecurity and software license lifecycle management, safeguarding the digital assets and intellectual property of organizations worldwide. As the company celebrates its 35th anniversary, its management reflects on the remarkable journey that has made them a global leader in software protection, license management, and IT security.

Since its establishment in 1989, Wibu-Systems has remained steadfast in its commitment to business continuity, technological excellence, team cohesion, environmental responsibility and ethical business practices. This commitment has not only shaped its identity but has also positioned the company as a trusted partner for enterprises seeking robust protection and licensing solutions in a vast array of industries.

Marcellus Buchheit, co-founder of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, President and CEO of WIBU-SYSTEMS USA, recalls the early days: “35 years ago, the founding principle of Wibu-Systems was based on the concept of software protection, embodied in a WibuKey license stored in a secure, parallel-port dongle. Today, our founding principle has not wavered, but evolved into a highly flexible software monetization offering, using a CodeMeter license in a secure cloud container. This transformation was propelled by our innovative design team and through collaboration with our inventive customers. Amazingly, our software licensing solutions today are based on the same architecture we developed 35 years ago”.

It's not just about a clear technological vision that never strayed from the high road: Wibu-Systems proudly upholds the "Security Made in Germany" ethos. The products, developed and manufactured in Germany, are respected worldwide for their reliability and durability. While the company thinks globally in expanding its market, the German heritage is evident in the complete product development cycle, ensuring the strictest control from the inception of innovative ideas by its in-house team to the development of its hardware and software solutions.

The centralized control of all critical processes and decisions from Wibu-Systems’ headquarters has not only resulted in a more streamlined approach but has also had a significantly positive impact on its quality processes, including its environmental footprint. Long before the widespread focus on climate-conscious decisions, the company's management was already aligning with global standards and reimagining various aspects, such as bills of materials for hardware products, innovative packaging solutions for logistics, and sustainable energy alternatives for its new headquarters.

While Wibu-Systems maintains its dedication to supporting its legacy technology, which remains available and continually updated, the company also offers seamless migration pathways to its latest groundbreaking technology achievements. This approach ensures that its customers can evolve with them, benefiting from the most advanced security solutions in the industry.

Wibu-Systems’ success story is not solely defined by its cutting-edge technology; it's also the result of strong relationships. Company management is proud to have cultivated a network of channel partners who have been with them since their early days. These partners have earned the trust of their international customers, serving as local centers of excellence, and amplifying the global reach.

Wibu-Systems’ team, comprised of highly skilled professionals, is both inspired and united in its mission to deliver cutting-edge services. Year after year, they guide their customers through the realization of their protection, licensing, and security projects. The commitment to excellence is the driving force behind every successful project and partnership of Wibu-Systems.

Driven by his passion and leadership, Oliver Winzenried, CEO and co-founder of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, adds "As we continue our journey towards a secure digital future, let us remember that true innovation knows no boundaries. Together, we stand at the forefront of technological excellence, safeguarding the innovations that shape tomorrow. Let our collective dedication fuel the flames of progress, and may our legacy be one of unwavering commitment to security, empowerment, and a world where digital possibilities are boundless”.

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news-6175 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0100 KEYnote 46: Going stratospheric with licensing in the cloud in the latest issue of Wibu-Systems’ magazine https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/keynote-magazine-46-cloud-licensing-and-it-security.html The new KEYnote magazine from Wibu-Systems addresses the power and potential of cloud licensing The new KEYnote magazine from Wibu-Systems addresses the power and potential of cloud licensing

KEYnote, the popular magazine published by the protection and licensing specialists at Wibu-Systems, is a must-read for licensing afficionados, IT security enthusiasts, and everyone else interested in keeping the software world and IT businesses secure. The 2023 Fall / Winter issue covers a wide range of topics from the clever technology behind CodeMeter’s SmartBind system to the best approach to secure software development. But this edition’s headliner is cloud licensing, including a closer look at the concept itself and detailed discussions of key issues like Wibu-Systems’ solution to the license availability conundrum or the best way to combine Kubernetes with CodeMeter.

Cloud computing, while offering immense potential, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Recognizing the importance of security and reliability in maximizing the effectiveness of cloud solutions, issue 46 of Wibu-Systems’ KEYnote magazine delves deeply into the realm of cloud licensing. This edition includes six comprehensive articles covering various aspects: from exploring the basics and weighing the pros and cons, to setting up different license servers, to integrating CodeMeter licensing with the popular containerization solution Kubernetes. It also discusses advanced techniques for efficient license creation using the CodeMeter License Portal.

Licensing in the cloud comes in many forms and expressions. These range from the ability to get offline licenses from the cloud onto industrial edge devices, which often means a choice of either physical dongles or device-bound license files, to SaaS applications running in the cloud where usage reporting is more important than protection. The articles on “Licensing and Protecting Industrial Edge Devices” and “CodeMeter Cloud Lite Usage Reporting” serve as a hands-on introduction to these aspects.

License servers in a production environment like the shopfloor of a car manufacturer require high availability. A failure in such mission-critical environments will stop production. Wibu-Systems’ answer to this requirement is CodeMeter TMR – Triple Mode Redundancy. Wibu-Systems has designed a combination of three license servers (plus load balancers) to ensure fail-proof availability according to a 2-out-of-3 rule. The article on Triple Mode Redundancy explains how CodeMeter licensing works in this clustered server system.

The exchange of broken parts like devices or controllers in a larger system is a critical process. From a licensing perspective, it is essential to move an active license from the broken device to a spare unit. Dongles like CodeMeter Sticks, or CodeMeter Cards outperform device-bound licenses and offer an easy and fool-proof process to move the license to a new device. In the event that a free slot is not available for the dongle on the device, CmReady comes in handy. This mass storage device, available in both SD and microSD form factors, such as those utilized by Swissbit for operating system storage, offers the additional capability of securely storing a license. This license is then intricately bound to the specific unit, ensuring a seamless and integrated solution for software licensing and system operation. Only devices that comply with a minimum set of security requirements receive the CmReady seal of approval from Wibu-Systems. These devices, which are already often operational on the shopfloor, can be used like a CodeMeter dongle, offer the security of a CodeMeter license file, and don’t require a free slot on the replacement device.

Readers interested in a peek behind the curtains can do so in the article on “Developing secure software”. The article explains Wibu-Systems’ principles and infrastructure for secure software development as a case study of mature best practices, from the right tools for code analysis to the procedures for responding to identified vulnerabilities.

Even more transparency can be found in the article on the ROI of CodeMeter. Taking different categories of Wibu-Systems clients as examples, the article offers a detailed calculation of the threshold costs needed at the start, the cash flow to be expected over time, and the likely gains in the end. Any software protection and licensing officer looking for strong arguments in favor of a smart licensing solution will find enough food for thought in this KEYnote magazine article.

More news, a look back at Wibu-Systems’ International Partner Summit, and a case study of CodeMeter in action at ETM Professional Control, a fully-owned subsidiary of Siemens that develops the SCADA system SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture, complete this issue of KEYnote magazine, which is available for free for download at https://www.wibu.com/magazine.html.

Daniela Previtali, Global Marketing Director of Wibu-Systems, adds: "As we unveil KEYnote 46, we're not just sharing advancements in cloud licensing and secure software development; we're opening a dialogue about the future of IT security and innovation. Our focus on cloud licensing, especially with our Triple Mode Redundancy and Kubernetes integration, underscores our commitment to pushing boundaries and offering practical, cutting-edge solutions. This issue is a testament to Wibu-Systems' dedication to empowering businesses and enriching the knowledge of the software development community. We invite you to dive into these insightful pages and join us in shaping a secure, connected future."

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news-6120 Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0100 Smart security solutions for smart production systems: Wibu-Systems out in force at SPS https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-smart-security-solutions-at-sps.html Cybersecurity is a prerequisite to digital transformation Cybersecurity is a prerequisite to digital transformation

From 14 to 16 November, booth 428 in hall 6 on Nuremberg’s expo grounds is the place to be for loyal users and newcomers to the world of CodeMeter and everyone else interested in protection and licensing solutions for their automation projects. Wibu-Systems, the security specialists from Karlsruhe, are returning to Smart Production Systems, Germany’s premier industry automation expo, with a booth packed with new technologies, innovative applications, fascinating insights, and lots of news and stories.

Wibu-Systems keeps true to its mission as its exhibit will provide an array of technologies under the hood of its CodeMeter protection, licensing, and security universe aimed at not just protecting the IP of intelligent device manufacturers but also facilitating the monetization of their software-based resources.

AxProtector Python brings the familiar encryption and protection power of CodeMeter to the Python world with the ability to encrypt Python code directly. As Python has seen a surge of interest as a favorite of AI developers, CodeMeter’s unbeaten security can perfectly fit into the machine learning lifecycle, where new threats and risks abound. Alongside IP theft, researchers are worried about ways to manipulate ML models, known as poisoning, that have the potential to severely damage businesses and services depending on AI. AxProtector Python can be the preemptive antidote against this type of threat.

AxProtector Python is also a promising choice for businesses working with NVIDIA Jetson-series and other GPUs that are used to upscale the computing capabilities of embedded systems used in many applications of immediate relevance for industry: robotics, drones, edge computing, or at-the-edge AI and ML as well as the medical field, surveillance and security, and even digital signage. AxProtector Python File Encryption has been designed to work perfectly with NVIDIA.

Another important quality of the CodeMeter technology is its ability to bring secure licensing to the containerized environments favored by many enterprise users. With Docker and Podman containers being particularly attractive in the embedded field for their easy handling, concerns about IP theft and license enforcement cannot be ignored. CodeMeter now has the ability to add the secure anchors needed to ensure reliable licensing in the form of hardware CmDongles, CmCloudContainer license servers in local networks or in the cloud, and CmActLicense software containers to give the architects of container environments real freedom of choice.

The support for Docker is one of the key reasons why CodeMeter was selected by Hilscher for the integration with the Flagship Store for the OI4 Community. The collaboration with the Open Industry 4.0 (OI4) Alliance and its members has produced a concept for an open, standardized, and secure marketplace for industrial apps that combines tried and tested IP protection and licensing capabilities of Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter to offer automation apps for download in a secure and trustworthy environment. With payment methods and all the legal underpinnings in place, app developers and users can meet in the Flagship Store for the OI4 Community without worrying about the security of the IP invested in the apps they are selling or the trustworthiness of the apps they are buying.

CmReady tops off the gamut of Wibu-Systems’ novel technologies. Bringing CodeMeter security to certified third-party mass storage devices, CmReady combines the simplicity of CmActLicense software license containers with the portability of a hardware medium. Launched in Swissbit’s Data Protection cards in SD & microSD form factors, CmReady is a perfect choice for machine manufacturers who want ease of use without compromising security or portability.

For Stefan Bamberg, Wibu-Systems’ Director Sales and Key Account Management, coming to SPS in Nuremberg feels like home: “SPS and Wibu-Systems not only share more than three decades of history, we also have that shared spirit of optimism: With some innovative thinking, professionalism, and the necessary care, we can create technologies like CmReady or the Flagship Store for the OI4 Community that will make our industry smarter, safer, and more productive.”

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news-6099 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0200 AxProtector CTP Strengthens Software Protections Against Piracy and Reverse Engineering https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/axprotector-ctp-strengthens-software-protections-against-piracy-and-reverse-engineering.html The new obfuscation technique makes the code structure for C/C++ applications virtually unrecognizable The new obfuscation technique makes the code structure for C/C++ applications virtually unrecognizable

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in the software licensing and protection industry, announced the addition of a new feature of its CodeMeter Protection Suite of tools for automated software protection against piracy and reverse engineering. The new Compile Time Obfuscation (CTO) feature is available for AxProtector Windows, AxProtector Linux, and AxProtector macOS. To use this feature, a new technology, AxProtector Compile Time Protection (CTP), was introduced.

This novel technology integrates a completely new approach to software protection by obfuscating the entire application during the compilation process. Bringing obfuscation technologies to the same security level offered by encryption-based protection tools, AxProtector CTP obfuscates name and the control flow, inserts additional blocks, and hides logical links in the code, to increase the level of protection against reverse engineering. The AxProtector CTP technology is already commercially available as an optional feature (CTO) within the AxProtector Windows, AxProtector Linux, and AxProtector macOS products; it supports Intel, ARMHF, and AARCH64 platforms; and currently, it works with C and C++ programming languages; others on request.

Finding the right defense techniques against cyber-attackers is a crucial task. It’s with the versatility of LLVM that AxProtector CTP is able to support multiple operating systems, architectures, and platforms. Additionally, all features that were already available inside the AxProtector products, like flexible licensing supported by trusted cryptographic algorithms, are also available within the new CTP technology. The strong connection between licensing, encryption, and obfuscation ensures optimal protection for applications.

While encryption-based protection techniques encrypt the application after compilation and decrypt it during runtime, AxProtector CTP modifies the application already during compile time, and no modification during runtime is needed. This makes it possible to comply with platform-specific guidelines that prevent code modification during runtime (e.g., macOS hardened runtime) and offers a higher level of protection against attackers who may have gotten access to a license to execute the protected application.

The protection offered by the new AxProtector CTP requires special build environments, compatible with a modified Clang compiler and an additional plugin made by Wibu-Systems. Only minimal adjustments to the compiler are needed; they can be made by software developers with the setup guide provided by Wibu-Systems. Their purpose is simply to activate the use of plugins. For convenience, Wibu-Systems ships a prebuilt version in the installers. As the Clang compiler is supported in most common development environments like Visual Studio and Xcode, the capabilities of AxProtector CTP are immediately available, including cross-platform protection as provided by the standard AxProtector.

“In a world where cyber threats are evolving every day, relying solely on encryption is no longer the only viable solution. AxProtector CTP goes a step further by obfuscating your code at compile time, turning it into an enigma that even the most skilled hackers will find virtually impenetrable”, stated Stefan Bamberg, Wibu-Systems’ Director Sales and Key Account Management.

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news-6094 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Formnext 2023: Wibu-Systems Unlocks IP Protection & Business Potential in Additive Manufacturing https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/formnext-2023-wibu-systems-unlocks-business-potential-in-additive-manufacturing.html Wibu-Systems comes to Formnext 2023 to show how CodeMeter empowers new AM business models with smart software licensing and tough IP protection Wibu-Systems comes to Formnext 2023 to show how CodeMeter empowers new AM business models with smart software licensing and tough IP protection

The past twelve months have seen the very public arrival of two game-changing technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Additive Manufacturing (AM). Their commercial viability will depend on the right means to build a business and protect the underlying IP with tools like Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology. At Frankfurt’s Formnext 2023 exhibition, visitors can witness the business empowering potential of their licensing and protection solutions in hall 12, booth B01D.

The long-awaited and much-debated revolution is already here: Two new technologies, AI and AM, have propelled the industrial world into the future. While society at large is catching its breath and ethical debates are still ongoing, companies like Wibu-Systems, the IT security, protection, and licensing specialists from Karlsruhe, are already working to innovate and secure the technical underpinnings of this new reality. At Formnext 2023, the premier meetup of the additive manufacturing community, Wibu-Systems will join the VDMA association’s joint exhibit to talk about the advantages of its CodeMeter protection and licensing solution.

As is true of artificial intelligence, where several cases of outside tampering have shown the possibly disastrous consequences of a data-driven technology not being properly protected, a successful additive manufacturing business needs to secure its systems on several fronts to become and stay successful. With the ever-present risk of piracy and IP theft, both the software that runs the 3D printers and all the other devices and machines in a modern, smart factory and the digital assets that they process, like product designs, print orders, or billing systems, need to be secured against would-be attackers. The threats and attack vectors are remarkably varied and range from simple theft to less ethical manufacturers producing surplus products for the grey market to the extreme case of competitors or other malevolent actors deliberately tampering with the systems to affect product quality and safety or hold entire companies to ransom.

Adding the necessary layers of security can seem a costly and unrewarding business. But the CodeMeter technology by Wibu-Systems shows how this neither needs to ramp up the complexity of the business nor hold back its commercial potential. Instead, the IP protection and licensing system, a long-standing favorite in the software world, can simplify and streamline the manufacturing flow and enable entirely new license-driven business models. Built around unbeaten encryption technology and versatile license management, CodeMeter can create virtual marketplaces and make its licenses the currency of trust for truly flexible, but reliable distributed manufacturing – the original promise of industrial additive manufacturing.

What this means in practice can be experienced at the Wibu-Systems’ exhibit as part of the VDMA booth at Formnext 2023. In its cooperation with Farsoon Technologies and Daimler Buses, Wibu-Systems integrated its CodeMeter solution in a novel online store service for parts and components for Daimler and Setra brand buses – the OMNIplus service. Operators of these buses can buy 3D printable parts on the secure digital marketplace and either manufacture them themselves or have a local Manufacturing-as-a-Service provider make the parts for them. All they need is a certified Farsoon 3D printer and the purchased digital product. No more arranging appointments at certified Daimler service stations or waiting for urgently needed parts to arrive: If the part is available in the growing catalogue of 3D printable genuine Daimler and Setra parts, a few clicks is all it takes for a part to be produced and fitted and a bus to return to service.

CodeMeter enables this novel business model on two fronts: With two licenses used to secure both the preprint process and to authorize, trace, and invoice the actual purchased number of parts, there is essentially no loophole left for anyone trying to tamper with or exploit the system. CodeMeter’s smart license management capabilities and easy integration with back office systems make the entire process smooth and reliable for all parties involved.

Stefan Bamberg, Wibu-Systems Director Sales and Key Account Management, encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: "We're not just regular attendees at Formnext, we're passionate believers in its core ethos. The event isn't just about marveling at great technology; it's about the bigger picture – leveraging that technology to create sustainable, secure, and impactful businesses. Our collaboration with Farsoon Technologies and Daimler Buses embodies this vision. We've gone beyond mere tech development; we've built a thriving business that genuinely enhances security and quality of life. And let me be clear, this is just the beginning. The untapped potential in this sector is immense, and we're more committed than ever to unlocking it."

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news-6064 Wed, 06 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Wibu-Systems Joins the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-joins-the-association-for-advancing-automation-a3.html Elevating IP and Digital Asset Security Solutions for the Worldwide Automation Community Elevating IP and Digital Asset Security Solutions for the Worldwide Automation Community

Wibu-Systems USA, subsidiary of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, a leader in the software protection and licensing market, has announced its membership in the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), North America's preeminent automation trade association and a global advocate for advancing the benefits of automation. A3 unites an array of stakeholders, including nearly 1,200 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups, and consulting firms, all driving automation's advancement globally across robotics, machine vision, AI, additive manufacturing, and related fields.

Wibu-Systems USA has joined the association to share its specialized knowledge in industrial software security solutions, helping manufacturers address the significant challenges presented by the digital transformation of the industry. The task of safeguarding invaluable digital intellectual property and diligently managing software security risks has become paramount, requiring ongoing vigilance as malicious threats evolve. Moreover, by employing creative software licensing and entitlement management strategies, manufacturers can implement innovative business models and leverage new software monetization opportunities like subscription, pay-per-use, or try-before-you-buy schemes.

Since 1989, Wibu-Systems has been steadfast in its mission to deliver the pinnacle of protection, licensing, and security for digital assets and intellectual property in a world undergoing a dramatic shift towards digital transformation. Within the industrial automation domain, Wibu-Systems continues to forge partnerships with industry leaders like Rockwell Automation and CODESYS. These collaborations infuse Wibu-Systems' award-winning CodeMeter® software licensing and protection technology into global manufacturing, empowering novel, software-driven, intelligent machines. CodeMeter further augments revenue streams by enabling the monetization of industrial machinery through cutting-edge, software-centric business models. Companies like B&R Industrial Automation – a member of the ABB group, MvTec Software, and Artiminds Robotics use CodeMeter to both protect and license their software-driven solutions.

"We are excited to welcome Wibu-Systems as an A3 member," said Alex Shikany, Vice President of Membership & Business Intelligence with A3. "Software is a critical piece of the growing automation industry, and we are looking forward to getting the Wibu-Systems team involved with our passionate membership community."

Marcellus Buchheit, President and CEO of Wibu-Systems USA, added: “Joining A3 is a significant stride for us, and we look forward to dynamic participation in vital events and discussions that are shaping today's automation industry landscape. Our commitment will be manifest through a variety of channels, including thought-provoking use cases, white papers, webinars, blog posts, and timely updates on product innovations.”

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news-5986 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter Licensing and Protection Technology Safeguards BIC Medical’s Med2Morrow Business https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-codemeter-technology-safeguards-bic-medical-med2morrow-business.html Safeguarding Custom Prescription Dispensing Systems and Ensuring Proper Billing Safeguarding Custom Prescription Dispensing Systems and Ensuring Proper Billing

Wibu-Systems, a software licensing and protection technology global leader, announced that BIC Medical, a Dutch medical company, has integrated Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter solution into its unique Med2Morrow custom prescription dispensing system for use in the heavily regulated French and German pharmaceutical markets. The Med2Morrow system enables the precise, safe, and reliable provisioning and packaging of custom prescriptions. CodeMeter protects the sophisticated system software from tampering, which ensures patient safety, and provides a reliable licensing mechanism to support the company’s business model.

Many patients rely on custom prescriptions, a tedious dispensing process for galenic pharmacists, who combine specific amounts of different medications. Licensed pharmacists have little margin for error as mistakes can have serious consequences on patient health. At the same time, pharmacists in retail outlets and healthcare institutions have been under growing pressures brought on by increasing workloads and limited resources, time, and staffing. This combination created an urgent need for a technology solution that can streamline the process of dispensing custom prescriptions.

BIC Medical addressed the issue with its innovative Med2Morrow custom prescription dispensing system, which couples intricate hardware and sophisticated software to sort and dispense medicine for custom prescriptions. The system has more than 500 motors that are programmed to pick, sort, and prepare the right cocktail of pills, which are then filled into bags or blister trays. Once filled, the containers are heat sealed to prevent loss or tampering, and then delivered to the dispensing pharmacist. The system greatly streamlines the overall process, providing ample time savings and allowing pharmacists to attend to other tasks.

At the core of the system is software to control the machine functions and track the dispensed medicine. Protecting their IP invested in the software and properly monetizing the system within its distribution network became of paramount importance. BIC Medical chose Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology to protect its IP and safeguard its billing processes.

CodeMeter was integrated into the process to monitor whether the on-board application is working and whether the dispensing workflows are correctly activated. The appropriate system licenses are contained in CodeMeter dongles (CmDongles). Med2Morrow system’s customers can only use the dispensing machines with the right licenses associated with their CmDongle. The system tracks usage in detail and takes stock of the quantities of medicine dispensed to not only secure the system from illicit use or tampering, but also to streamline the billing and maintenance process. Customers pay-for-time of operation of the machine and/or the number of pills processed.

Furthermore, the Med2Morrow system operates offline. Because licenses are contained in CmDongles, BIC Medical service technicians can easily update software and firmware as needed on site. Machine licenses are combined with maintenance contracts so there is no need for the pharmacists using the system to worry about servicing their machines.

Rutger Visscher, Director at BIC Medical, said: “On the advice of a colleague company in the sector, we opted for the security and licensing technology of Wibu-Systems. The CodeMeter system determines whether the application software is working and whether the workflow in the drug dispensing machine is activated, for how long, and for what quantity. And now we are assured that we will be paid for our efforts.”

Marcel Hartgerink, General Manager of Wibu-Systems NV, added: “The Med2Morrow application of BIC Medical is an excellent example that shows the power of CodeMeter: On the one hand, integrity protection creates a reliable drug registry for patients, which can be vital in life-threatening scenarios, and on the other hand, licensing, i.e. implementation of business models, brings benefits for BIC Medical and its users.”

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news-5998 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:52:08 +0200 TOP 100 Award: Ranga Yogeshwar celebrates Wibu-Systems https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/top-100-award-ranga-yogeshwar-celebrates-wibu-systems.html Germany’s most innovative SMEs honored at gala event on 23 June Germany’s most innovative SMEs honored at gala event on 23 June

Lots of reason to cheer at the Deutsche Mittelstands Summit: Ranga Yogeshwar congratulated Wibu-Systems from Karlsruhe for the company’s successful bid for the TOP 100 Award. The award ceremony was hosted on 23 June as part of the summit proceedings in Augsburg and brought together representatives from all small to medium-sized companies that had been selected in the exclusive group of the top one hundred innovators. The popular science communicator works as a mentor for the coveted innovation award, now presented for the 30th time. The jury’s careful selection went with Wibu-Systems for its prowess in the “Innovation Success” category among companies employing between 51 and 200 members of staff.

For this anniversary edition of the TOP 100 award, no fewer than 550 companies had entered the competition – another record in the award’s history. 300 proud winners (one hundred companies each in three size categories) received the TOP 100 seal already at the start of the year. Wibu-Systems had a particularly strong performance, with its innovation management performance rated as A+, compared with a straight A for the average TOP 100 company. And that was not all: in three of the four categories, Wibu-Systems outperformed its peers.

At the German SME Summit, hosted at Augsburg’s Kongress am Park venue, Ranga Yogeshwar personally met and congratulated the top innovators of Germany’s fabled Mittelstand. “With the challenges we are facing today, the time has passed for the old keep-on-keeping-on mindset. We now need a completely new way of thinking: Sharpen up and dare to change! These TOP 100 companies have what it takes: They are small and nimble. They are decisive and responsive”, the science communicator said during his opening remarks. Their innovations benefit all of society, especially in the face of climate change and the exploitation of our world’s resources. Professor Nikolaus Franke, scientific director of the TOP 100 process, added: “Investing into innovations today means reaping rewards tomorrow. The top innovators understand that simple equation, and creating something new is in their system.”

For more than three decades, Wibu-Systems has been equipping its clients with the solutions they need to protect and license software. Since its foundation, the company has been committed to innovating and has invested heavily into research and development. Industry 4.0 and the digital revolution need a different approach to security than conventional software development: Wibu-Systems was quick to realize this fact and prepare effective and powerful solutions for their market. Companies across the economy can use the CodeMeter technology to encrypt their digital assets and create new business models that monetize software functionalities, perfectly tailored for the end user’s needs. Cutting-edge technologies like post-quantum cryptography, 3D printing, or artificial intelligence are just some of the many challenges of today’s digital world that the people of Wibu-Systems are already helping to protect. Winning the TOP 100 Award shows that Wibu-Systems walks the talk when it comes to getting innovations into the market that bring real added value for their users.

Oliver Winzenried, founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, is excited about winning the company’s first TOP 100 Award: “Winning the award in the 'Innovation Success' category shows that we are on the right track and that our commitment to innovation is paying off. It is down to the creative ideas of our people and our cooperation with our partners and research institutions that we have managed to be part of the vanguard for innovations in our field. Innovations will continue to be a key part of what we do at Wibu-Systems. I loved the great atmosphere at the award ceremony and the change to meet and share insights with other innovation leaders at the Deutsche Mittelstands Summit.”

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news-5936 Wed, 10 May 2023 08:00:00 +0200 KEYnote 45: Smart business opportunities, new protection skills, and more in the newest issue of Wibu-Systems’ magazine https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/keynote-45-the-newest-issue-of-wibu-systems-magazine.html The new KEYnote magazine gets down to business with many actionable ideas and insights for building the perfect protection and licensing system. The new KEYnote magazine gets down to business with many actionable ideas and insights for building the perfect protection and licensing system.

KEYnote, the twice-yearly magazine published by the protection and licensing specialists at Wibu-Systems, does not fit the mold of typical corporate publishing. With deep-dive articles about new technical opportunities, ideas for smarter license-driven business models, and a round-up of the latest news and events, each issue is a treasure trove for practitioners. The spring / summer edition for 2023 includes detailed information about new obfuscation options, a look at the commercial potential of reseller integration and modular licenses, and a no-holds barred interview with Ruediger Kuegler about the security promise of CodeMeter.

KEYnote issue 45 is a must-read for CodeMeter enthusiasts and loyal users of Wibu-Systems’ licensing and protection software. The hands-on, practice-oriented nature of this spring / summer edition is visible in everything from the full page of news stories about innovations and upgrades to Wibu-Systems’ flagship technology to the many detailed articles about CodeMeter’s capabilities in actual use. With reseller integration options making the front page as a promising avenue for CodeMeter-empowered business models, this issue delivers on its promise of combining technology news and information with actionable ideas for software developers and entrepreneurs relying on CodeMeter for a secure and profitable business.

Integrating resellers in a licensing-driven business model must not be an afterthought, as they represent a prime sales channel beyond direct sales, especially for more bijou software businesses that do not have the resources to maintain a full sales force or simply want to concentrate on what they do best: creating a good product. CodeMeter offers a versatile range of options for integrating resellers and other distribution channels, with different billing options, the ability to put either established ERP systems or the CodeMeter License Portal in the lead, and nifty ideas for distributing, managing, and billing subscription licenses. The frontpage article in KEYnote 45 covers everything that practitioners need to know to build their perfect reseller channel.

A look at modular licensing complements this with more ideas about attractive commercialization options like feature-on-demand licenses that can create new business opportunities by lowering the entry threshold and creating additional aftermarket potential. As is traditional with the KEYnote magazine, this includes detailed info about the underlying licensing technology and the means to get everything to market and into the user’s hands – a topic explored in more detail in a thorough explanation of how CodeMeter can and should be installed on the end user’s device and in a dedicated piece on the role and use of a software activation wizard with CodeMeter.

The technology news in KEYnote 45 goes even deeper with an exclusive introduction of the new obfuscation capabilities launched with AxProtector Compile Time Protection, adding a new security paradigm to Wibu-Systems’ trusted protection technology: a compile time obfuscation of code blocks for added security to obscure any logical connections in the protected code. All of this comes on top of the traditional encryption and protection capabilities and the versatile licensing made possible with CodeMeter.

A special highlight of this spring / summer issue is an interview with Ruediger Kuegler, VP Professional Services and Security Expert, about the security promise of CodeMeter. Reimagined from an actual conversation with a client, the interview asks some of the fundamental questions about how CodeMeter licensing works, what each license container excels at, and what CodeMeter has to offer against common routes of attack. Ruediger Kuegler speaks openly about the capabilities and the limits of CodeMeter’s power and offers some ideas and opinions about what constitutes the perfect protection setup.

Daniela Previtali, Global Marketing Director of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, is delighted by the teamwork that is behind every issue of the company’s magazine: “Product Management and pre- and post-sales specialists get together to deliver a set of new articles geared to CodeMeter’s clients and prospects. Existing customers can tap into the new potential we have portrayed and either refine their secure licensing setup or test new modules of our technology. Prospects may find new reasons to trust CodeMeter and design their proof of concept based on our solution”.

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news-5920 Wed, 03 May 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Premiere at Wibu-Systems: INNO DAYS will take place in Karlsruhe for the first time in June https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/inno-days-will-take-place-in-karlsruhe-for-the-first-time.html

This Press Release is only available in German.

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news-5905 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Digital roadie: Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter providing protection power for Disguise’s event design software https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/codemeter-providing-protection-power-for-disguise.html Disguise integrates CodeMeter to protect its software and the works of creators across the live event scene Disguise integrates CodeMeter to protect its software and the works of creators across the live event scene

Wibu-Systems, the protection and licensing specialists from Germany, have come to the big stage: Disguise, makers of the world’s first integrated event production system, has chosen CodeMeter to protect the IP behind their software and add licensing and protection power to their users’ creative output. With Disguise providing some of the essential technology behind such fan favorites as the Eurovision Song Contest or the stage shows of celebrities like Madonna, CodeMeter has truly made its way to the stars.

Modern stage shows have become big business in every sense of the word. From expo presentations or corporate events to the spectacle of music festivals or Las Vegas shows: The sheer amount of work and the assets involved in making them possible is there for all to see, feel, and hear. What is less obvious to the regular live concert afficionado or theatregoer are the massive intangible assets that are invested for the same purpose. From songs or visuals with their carefully managed copyrights to the show designs, intricate visual productions, and sophisticated workflows, invaluable IP and months of work are invested long before the curtain drops. And for many of the professionals involved, their tool of choice is provided by Disguise, the newest iteration of the integrated production system originally developed by London’s United Visual Artists, now with the added security of CodeMeter protection and licensing system. With Disguise Designer as the multitool for creating shows and many specialized products e.g. the integrated controlling of Unreal Engine graphics in shows, Disguise’s solution is sophisticated, powerful, and always at risk of IP theft and tampering.

Disguise chose to integrate CodeMeter deep into its solution. The backbone of CodeMeter licensing, the Firm Security Box, is integrated right into the build server and encrypts every build in the often lengthy and iterative creative process, going back and forth between tech experts, design specialists, and the actual artists themselves before anything ever hits the stage. Once things are ready and waiting for their audience, the show professionals have a choice of either hardware CmDongle or software CmActLicense containers to get their licenses out into the field and activate the showstopping features of Disguise’s software.

But the protection goes even further than that: The shows created by designers are also license-protected to prevent tampering, copying, and use on non-Disguise hardware. Users can produce their shows on Disguise Designer, which is then watermarked and can be brought over to Disguise hardware for the real live experience.

With the added certainty that the IP built into their software and hardware is safe, the integration of CodeMeter also means that Disguise can embrace rental business models with more confidence, as third-party providers can supply the sophisticated and expensive Disguise hardware to event designers on demand. Equipment rental is already a well-established option in the industry, but the licensing built into Disguise’s technology now offers more security on multiple fronts: Not only is the software running on the Disguise hardware protected with CodeMeter’s unrivalled encryption and the works of end users safely watermarked to ensure copy protection, CodeMeter also ensures that users can only access the correct, tamper-proof configurations and can easily order license renewals and upgrades. As the long success of Disguise in the industry results in countless versions of its software and hardware, including legacy versions, out in the field and in active operation, Wibu-Systems’ technology brings some real peace of mind for Disguise and their user worldwide base.

James Bentley, Head of Software Engineering at Disguise confirms “We develop the software that the designers and producers of live events use to design their shows. Thanks to CodeMeter, we’re always sure that they use the correct configuration. Tampering just isn’t possible. The same goes for selling upgrades, which is very easy with CodeMeter. This all provides peace of mind, and we know that our intellectual property isn’t at risk.”

Marcel Hartgerink, General Manager of WIBU-SYSTEMS LTD in Taunton, UK, is excited about being in the company of some of the world’s top celebrities, even if indirectly: “It is great to know that when you go and see a chart-topping star live on stage or get wowed by the unbelievable production values of some modern expo shows, CodeMeter has done its bit to keep the magic of Disguise’s solution and the creative work of their users safe.”

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news-5891 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Newly established Wibu Academy offers courses on security and publicly funded research projects https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/newly-established-wibu-academy-offers-courses.html

This Press Release is only available in German.

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news-5879 Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0200 Hannover Messe 2023: Showcasing CodeMeter innovations and a revolutionary community app store https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-at-hannover-messe-2023.html Wibu-Systems’ exhibit will include a new way to use CodeMeter licenses and a special partnership with Hilscher and the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance Wibu-Systems’ exhibit will include a new way to use CodeMeter licenses and a special partnership with Hilscher and the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance

Wibu-Systems, the protection, licensing, and security specialists from Karlsruhe, are returning to Hannover Messe, the premier industry expo for industrial pioneers. The exhibit in hall 16, booth B09 includes many innovations and new additions to the company’s popular CodeMeter technology as well as a very special partnership venture with Hilscher and the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance that has the potential to change the way modern industrial engineers design and operate the factories of the future.

Hannover Messe remains the headline event in the industrial year and this year’s expo, from 17 to 21 April, will not disappoint. Under the ambitious motto of “the industrial transformation starts here”, the show will not only be welcoming most of the world’s top established enterprises, but will also be covering some of the key issues in modern industry, from AI and machine learning to energy management, and the evergreen Industry 4.0 revisited from a green perspective. With its protection and licensing technology already a staple feature in many industrial engineering use cases and its expertise to drive the most pioneering discussions about AI and ML in Europe, Wibu-Systems has a lot to contribute to many of these issues and is returning to Hannover as a loyal contributor and exhibitor.

The star innovation to be featured at this year’s Wibu-Systems exhibit is CmReadyTM, the new paradigm for CodeMeter-powered protection and licensing on third-party mass storage devices. Combining the lean and small footprint qualities of CmActLicense software-only license containers with the portability and mobility of CmDongle containers, the CmReady memory cards strike the perfect balance between sheer power and fit-for-purpose efficiency. Swissbit’s Data Protection (DP) cards will be the first CmReady devices, available in SD and microSD form factors, to make use of the on-board security capabilities that allow CodeMeter licenses to be bound to a unique ID of the cards themselves – not to the target device, as is the case with CmActLicenses. This affords plug-and-play capabilities to the license holders, enabling them to move licenses around with ease and with minimal implementation effort. For industry users needing portability in service or industrial engineering scenarios, the new CmReady option can be the perfect choice.

Visitors to Hannover Messe will also be able to see innovations to other, more established CodeMeter technologies, including a new flavor of the AxProtector encryption and protection tool, and a revamped CmCloud option.

AxProtector Compile Time Protection (CTP) is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS and introduces a completely new way of protecting software by obfuscating the whole application during the compilation process. Bringing obfuscation technologies to the same security level offered by encryption-based protection tools, AxProtector CTP obfuscates name and the control flow, inserts additional blocks, and hides logical links in the code, to make reverse engineering even tougher.

CodeMeter Cloud was developed with the aim to provide a user-bound mobile CmCloudContainer. In this scenario, users have few devices (usually up to three, such as office computer, home computer, and mobile) on which they use a selection of their licenses. The novel Personal CmCloudContainer meets these requirements. With the latest release of CodeMeter Cloud, a new Enterprise CmCloudContainer has also been introduced, which can be used by multiple users − up to 500, simultaneously. This CmCloudContainer can optionally be operated completely in the cloud instead of a local license server, or in combination with local license servers. The Enterprise CmCloudContainer can be used for on-premise applications as well as for massive simulations in the cloud (e.g. for autonomous driving).

In addition to all of these innovations from the CodeMeter universe, Wibu-Systems will be showing a new vision for smarter, app-driven industrial engineering in its main exhibit with the automation specialists at Hilscher and the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance (OI4). The OI4 Community App Store is a user-friendly one-stop-shop for industrial apps. Built for interoperability in the mixed and heterogeneous landscapes of real-life industry, the store relies on Docker containers to bring new software capabilities to end users in factories everywhere. CodeMeter’s protection and license logistics are integrated deep into the app store concept, making use of Wibu-Systems’ experience with licensing in Docker systems, and provide much-needed security and transparency for monitoring and billing purposes. Hilscher will be at Wibu-Systems’ exhibit during the entire show to demonstrate app management on the edge. On 19 April, at 11 am, OI4 will join the group to answer all possible questions on the store, its capabilities, and the possibility for members to enroll with a new app.

With Wibu-Systems again proving its commitment to keeping its CodeMeter solution at the leading edge of technological advances and enabling new smart industry visions, the Karlsruhe-based licensing and protection specialists have a lot to show and share at this year’s Hannover Messe.

Oliver Winzenried, founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, is looking forward to Hannover Messe: “It seems like every year at Hannover Messe we see the start of a new age of industry, a new pioneering experience, and a new possibility to express the best of human potential. And every year Wibu-Systems is right there in the mix. We are excited to hear the response from our friends and clients to all of the novel technologies we have on display this time around.”

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news-5840 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0100 New at Embedded World: Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology now available for regular mass storage devices https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/codemeter-for-regular-mass-storage-devices-new-at-embedded-world.html Swissbit’s Data Protection SD and microSD cards chosen for the launch of the CmReady hardware Swissbit’s Data Protection SD and microSD cards chosen for the launch of the CmReady hardware

Wibu-Systems, the specialists behind the globally renowned CodeMeter protection and licensing technology, are bringing their expertise to a new hardware world. The CmReadyTM system adds CodeMeter capabilities to qualified mass storage devices and fills an attractive and in-demand spot between the top-end protection of the company’s CmDongles and the comfort of CmActLicense software containers. Swissbit, manufacturer of the industry-grade Data Protection (DP) line of SD and microSD cards, has teamed up with Wibu-Systems to introduce the new CmReady solution to a wider audience.

Users of CodeMeter can already count on a vast array of choices: The protection, licensing, and security technology can be used with a range of possible vessels, including software, hardware, and even cloud containers. Each choice brings its unique advantages. The smart card enabled CmDongles offer unrivaled security and a wide range of form factors, including USB sticks, memory cards, and ASICs. Like their cloud siblings, they are made for mobility purposes and both types support added capabilities like CodeMoving, which sees particularly sensitive code executed in the safe confines of the container. CmActLicense software containers promise particular ease of use and comfort, with the licenses bound to the digital fingerprint of the device they are used on.

Regular mass storage devices like SD or microSD cards are a popular option for many embedded and IoT device makers who cannot include a USB interface or integrate a ASIC in their hardware. Up to now, this architectural constraint limited their choice, but the all new CmReady concept brings the best of both worlds. With CmReady, the binding is created by combining the hardware unique ID (UID) of the card with protected, monotonically increasing counters to prevent replay-attacks against the license container. These units are extremely portable and comfortable to use, with licenses easily added through the familiar CodeMeter license management system and no additional implementation efforts needed to establish the binding.

CmReady allows the full range of CodeMeter licensing models, including such en-vogue choices as subscriptions, pay-per-use, or pay-per-feature licenses. Lacking the smart card chips included in CmDongles, certain capabilities like CodeMoving are not possible with them, but these compromises are weighed up by the price and efficiency advantages offered by the new hybrid alternative.

Wibu-Systems has teamed up with Swissbit, Swiss based manufacturer of industrial memory and security solutions with its own production facility in Berlin (Germany), to integrate its CodeMeter technology with their Data Protection (DP) microSD and SD cards. The CmReady label ensures the certified compatibility. Swissbit industry-grade cards are already a favored choice for hardware manufacturers and industry outfitters, and the new CmReady capabilities add further value to their portfolio.

Oliver Winzenried, founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, is excited about the new CmReady technology and the collaboration with Swissbit: “This is a real game changer for the market: Real CodeMeter power with our notorious software-based CmActLicenses bound to regular memory cards leverages our protection and licensing technology to a wider user base. In Swissbit, a company as dedicated to quality as we are, we have found the perfect partner to tread this new ground.”

“We are proud to be on board as a partner for CodeMeter's pioneering approach to CmReady technology. The concept of using hardware security anchors as Root of Trust in industrial and IoT applications is predestined for effective and secure license protection. By combining security and flexibility, CmReady opens up a real added value to which we are happy to contribute with our DP cards," comments Claus Gruendel, General Manager Embedded IoT Solutions at Swissbit.

At Embedded World, the global platform for the embedded community, taking place in Nuremberg, Germany, 14-16 March, embedded and IoT device engineers can learn more about the novel CmReady by joining Wibu-Systems at OSADL – the Open Source Automation Development Lab, hall 4, booth 168, and Swissbit in hall 1, booth 534. Additionally, the two companies behind this premiere will hold the joint talk “CmReady-enabled mass storage devices bring an easy-to-use IP protection solution to the embedded world” at the SD Association’s exhibit, hall 3A, booth 314, at 11.30 am on 14 March.

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news-5818 Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0100 Wibu-Systems at Embedded World 2023: A symphony of security and monetization solutions for the embedded community https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-at-embedded-world-2023.html Wibu-Systems joins OSADL for the 21st anniversary of Embedded World Wibu-Systems joins OSADL for the 21st anniversary of Embedded World

Embedded World, one of the premier expos dedicated to embedded technology, is returning to Nuremberg for its 21st anniversary edition, and Wibu-Systems, the protection, licensing, and security specialists from Karlsruhe, will be on site from 14 to 16 March as part of the shared OSADL exhibit (Hall 4 / Booth 168). Wibu-Systems’ highlights for the show include embedded, cloud, authentication, and mass storage technologies.

Whether on site or at one of the many digital events accompanying Embedded World, the expo is sure to attract many embedded technology enthusiasts and digital industry evangelists. For this year’s show, Wibu-Systems will present a selection of its technologies for the embedded community in the booth of OSADL, the Open Source Automation Development Lab. As a Bronze Member of the competence network for open source software in industrial products, Wibu-Systems will be among a crowd of likeminded professionals and innovative companies pushing the envelope for a new digital industry.

CodeMeter Embedded is Wibu-Systems’ most prominent contribution to the embedded world. Designed to work with the limited computing and memory resources of typical embedded systems like industrial controllers, CmEmbedded is a dedicated library that packs the encryption and licensing capabilities of CodeMeter in a leaner package. With the CodeMeter Embedded Core API providing the core functionality and with support for most licensing models in software or CmDongle hardware containers, CmEmbedded is the go-to tool for the makers of embedded software when it comes to protecting, licensing, and monetizing their work, including the commercially attractive ability to license individual machine features separately or sell subscription licenses. Its even leaner cousin, CodeMeter µEmbedded, is slimmed down for the most resource-conscious applications using CmActLicense containers.

Visitors to Embedded World include many industry outfitters and industrial automation engineers who will also be interested in the second exhibit brought to the show by Wibu-Systems: CmCloud. The cloud-based license containers and licensing system bring another tool to the arsenal for a smart and secure industrial IT landscape. Combining the mobility and versatility of software containers with a level of security on par with CmDongles, CmCloud is the perfect choice for modern, connected industry where service technicians need to access their licenses anywhere, anytime. Furthermore, CmCloud containers are enabled with CodeMoving, one of CodeMeter’s unique features that allows particularly sensitive code to be executed in the secure environs of the license container itself.

One of two additional exhibits will be CodeMeter Certificate Vault, the Wibu-Systems’ solution that brings the ease-of-use and security familiar to users of its licensing technology to the world of digital certificates. Certificates have much in common with Wibu-Systems’ original work in software protection and licensing, mainly their cryptographic underpinnings and the need for smart and tamper-proof delivery and management processes. CodeMeter Certificate Vault stores the necessary keys in secure containers and acts as a PKCS#11 compliant token provider – a great asset given the multithreading capabilities of the latest PKCS#11 library that make it work smoothly in AWS landscapes and especially with AWS Greengrass Core. It also simplifies the creation and roll-out of certificates, a complex process that often makes working with digital certificates a cumbersome experience. As such, and with its integration in OPC UA, it can help spread the use of digital certificates in M2M communication and aid the development of secure, trustworthy, and user-friendly industrial networks.

The second highlight at Embedded World will be the presentation of the all-new CmReadyTM: A completely new addition to the CodeMeter ecosystem, CmReady introduces Wibu-Systems’ popular protection and licensing technology on mass storage devices, beginning with the high-end SD and microSD cards made by Swissbit. With the security technology on board of Swissbit’s Data Protection (DP) cards, the new solution strikes a middle path between the security and sheer encryption power offered by Wibu-Systems’ powerful CmDongle hardware containers and the leaner CmActLicense software containers. In addition to their great portability and attractiveness for users of hardware without USB interfaces, the new CmReady hardware provides easily implemented license binding to the physical card itself rather than to the digital fingerprint of the target device.

Oliver Winzenried, CEO and Founder of Wibu-Systems, is looking forward to the kickoff of the event: “As IT and OT come together, human and digital experiences merge, and a new society is reinvented, the role of embedded devices, cloud computing, and most of all digital sovereignty are key to ensure machines, end users, and citizens at large are in control of their identities.”

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news-5775 Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0100 Wibu-Systems wins its first TOP 100 innovation award https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-wins-its-first-top-100-innovation-award.html Successful bid for the coveted innovation award – Ranga Yogeshwar to congratulate the winners in June Successful bid for the coveted innovation award – Ranga Yogeshwar to congratulate the winners in June

WIBU-SYSTEMS AG from Karlsruhe has won the TOP 100 award 2023 for the company’s prowess as an innovation leader. The accolade goes only to the most innovative small to medium-sized enterprises in Germany. On 23 June, the popular German science communicator and journalist Ranga Yogeshwar will be congratulating Wibu-Systems’ key representatives in person at the official award ceremony in Augsburg. Yogeshwar is the mentor of the TOP 100 innovation competition.

The competition uses a strictly scientific selection process: On behalf of the award sponsor compamedia, the team around Professor Nikolaus Franke, innovation researcher at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, put winners like Wibu-Systems through their paces with more than one hundred individual criteria tested in five categories, asking whether the candidates’ top management team, climate, processes and structures support innovation, whether they are open and outward looking, and whether they are practically successful with their innovations. Of particular interest for the process is whether innovations occur as chance byproducts of routine operations or whether they are systematically planned for and reproducible.

This is Wibu-Systems first inclusion among the top innovators. The company was founded in 1989 by Oliver Winzenried and Marcellus Buchheit who continue to manage the company. Wibu-Systems has established itself as a technology leader in the protection and licensing of software and data, including AI models or 3D print designs used in industrial additive manufacturing. It offers an extensive, award-winning portfolio of patented solutions for copy and know-how protection, licensing, and security that prevent theft and manipulation on anything from embedded devices and PLCs to PCs and cloud systems.

Oliver Winzenried, founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, is proud of the TOP100 award: “Innovation is the fuel for lasting commercial success. The future belongs to pioneering companies like Wibu-Systems whose innovations add real value and meaningful benefits for people, while staying sustainable, fair, and ethical. Our contribution is a safer digital life as part of a smarter economy, a more respectful digital society, and a healthier planet. We care about working with our partners and research institutions, not least as part of the exceptional ecosystem in our hometown of Karlsruhe, and about contributing to standardization in our field. That is why we have invested in the dedicated House of IT Security with its IT Security Club here on the Wibu-Systems campus, supporting our efforts in this area and in many other major technologies of tomorrow, like post-quantum cryptography and artificial intelligence.”

“With the TOP 100, we are verifying how important the commitment to innovation is for the companies we are screening”, says Professor Dr. Nikolaus Franke, the scientific head of the competition. “Do routine and habit hold sway, or are the companies able to challenge their set ways, get creative, and get new ways established in the markets? We are analyzing that key ability with more than one hundred criteria in our selection process.”

On 23 June, all top innovators of the year 2023 will be meeting in Augsburg to attend the award ceremony at the German Mittelstand Summit, where Ranga Yogeshwar will be on stage to congratulate them in person for their successful bid for the TOP 100.

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news-5765 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0100 Doing the housework: A new IT infrastructure for Wibu-Systems https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/a-new-it-infrastructure-for-wibu-systems.html Wibu-Systems and Leitwerk put in place the foundations for reliability and excellence Wibu-Systems and Leitwerk put in place the foundations for reliability and excellence

Wibu-Systems, the pioneering maker of software protection, licensing of digital assets, and IT security technologies from Karlsruhe, has completely redesigned and rebuilt its own IT infrastructure. Made partly in cooperation with the specialists at Leitwerk, the optimized architecture complements the modern work environment at the company’s new Wibu-Systems campus.

With an all-new network infrastructure, a refashioned virtualization platform, and new and intelligently set-up server hardware, the substantial investment into the inner workings of its organization reflects Wibu-Systems commitment to substance over style. Like many companies in the IT industry and beyond, the security specialists from Karlsruhe had never neglected their own systems, but the constant trickle of upgrades and spot investments over time had led to the formation of a patchwork hardware and software landscape. With the move to the company’s new premises, the time seemed right for a wholescale shift to a new infrastructure to stay reliable, nimble, and scalable for the future of the business.

The IT service specialists of Leitwerk were brought on board to add a much-needed outside-in view and accompany the switch to the new systems. Several questions of principle had to be resolved before moving forward: The decision was taken to combine the formerly separate software development and build systems into a single environment without compromising on performance or reliability. Availability, security, and redundancy were picked as the design principles, leading the two companies involved in the project to opt for a vendor-agnostic, fully scalable, and easily expandable system, using industry-standard hardware and software.

On the ground, this meant the formation of new server clusters with Dell hardware, Datacore memory management, and vSphere from VMware as the virtualization platform: a three-level design that combines flexibility and performance with solid reliability. Virtual machines can be moved around on the go, smart load balancing keeps the system from being weighed down in busy times, and a two-phase disc-and-tape backup system was also built right into this new arrangement for added safety to allow for quick recovery should problems occur.

In physical terms, the opportunity of moving onto premises was taken to install completely new connections, with smart switches and VLANs for effective operations, a combination of two redundant fiber optic data highways linking the company to the outside world and a cleverly designed and, for security reasons, internally segmented system of conventional LAN and WLAN connections inside. Wifi coverage extends over the entire premises to facilitate working on the move. With dedicated generators and uninterrupted power supplies, the ability to quickly switch from one redundant connection to another in case of problems, and other safety and security systems fully integrated, the new infrastructure was meant from the start for operating reliably and securely under any conditions.

These substantial investments into the technical backbone of the company were not just motivated by a commitment to a modern, high-performance work environment. Another important consideration for Wibu-Systems and its cooperation with its clients and partners was compliance with the exacting requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. With its specifications for an ISMS (Information Security Management System), it represents a thorough and comprehensive approach to information security that is as carefully crafted and well-regarded as the quality handbook defined by ISO 9001, another standard that Wibu-Systems has been certified for (ISO 9001:2015).

Matching the careful thinking behind the architecture on the Wibu-Systems campus itself, the premises also include smart and sustainable solutions to make everything secure, powerful, and eco-friendly: This ranges from strong access controls and CCTV systems to more obvious assets like the photovoltaic panels supplying additional power to the site and the charging spots for electric vehicles.

This clean-slate approach to creating a new IT infrastructure matches the physical relocation of the company in its scale and ambition, and it sends a message to Wibu-Systems’ clients and partners: Like the security and licensing products and solutions they enjoy, the company itself is also built to stay innovative, secure, and reliable for the long term.

Oliver Winzenried, co-founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, explains the thinking behind the investment: “IT security specialists like us know that you need to have your house in order if you want to stay on top of the trends and challenges ahead. That is why we decided to not simply patch and polish our existing systems, but to commit completely to a new, future-proof infrastructure to keep moving forward.”

Ralf Schaufler, Chairman LEITWERK AG, echoes “Our work with WIBU-SYSTEMS AG proved extremely constructive from the very beginning, and there was cooperation and trust with each other at all times. LEITWERK managed to find exactly the right solution for this complex project that meets all the current and future needs of our client. We used state-of-the-art virtualization layers and a backup environment that form the perfect basis for continued growth. The project went smoothly and perfectly on time, thanks to the excellent preparation on the side of WIBU-SYSTEMS and the close cooperation between us.”

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news-5758 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0100 Crossing new frontiers: Wibu-Systems and Leader Electronics Corp. https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/crossing-new-frontiers-wibu-systems-and-leader-electronics-corp.html CodeMeter helps boost business revenue for the Japanese measurement firm’s SFR-Fit software CodeMeter helps boost business revenue for the Japanese measurement firm’s SFR-Fit software

Wibu-Systems, the company behind the popular CodeMeter protection and licensing technology, has teamed up with Leader Electronics Corp. to support the global expansion of the Japanese maker of highly specialized electronic measuring hardware and software. CodeMeter’s ability to protect and license the SFR-Fit MTF Measurement Software developed for MATLAB opens up new prospects for secure and profitable growth in the domestic Japanese and the international market.

SFR-Fit is one of the many innovations and developments by the Japanese specialists for measuring equipment since the company’s first test oscillator was introduced in 1954. As a firm favorite of engineers and technicians in the broadcasting industry, hardware by Leader Electronics Corp. has been involved in several historical milestones, including the very first live broadcast from the peak of Mount Everest. The SFR-Fit technology delivers a smart software solution for exact resolution measurements without the complex and labor-intensive process of manually setting up test charts for different camera types.

This new technological development created new markets for their products, but it also required a rethinking when it came to protecting the IP invested in the products and getting it into the right hands with attractive and commercially rewarding sales structures.

As a software based on MATLAB/Simulink, protecting and licensing SFR-Fit required a solution that could handle applications developed with MATLAB Compiler. CodeMeter by Wibu-Systems is able to do so and also contributes its award-winning encryption technology and its smart license management capabilities to safeguarding and monetizing the know-how.

With different license models, including the trial licenses requested by Leader Electronics Corp. as a tool for developing its new international user base, and both software CmActLicenses and hardware CmDongles available as license containers, CodeMeter offers much flexibility. This extends to the technical and commercial processes in the background: Licenses can be created, distributed, and activated online with the power of CodeMeter License Central and License Portal, which keeps operations lean for Leader Electronics Corp. and makes the entire experience smooth and comfortable for users in the company’s established and new markets. Even upgrading from a trial to a full license is a matter of a few clicks without any changes required to the actual installed software, making it easy for users to get familiar with SFR-Fit and lowering the purchase threshold.

Koichi Toda of Leader Electronics Corp. sees a double benefit in the cooperation with Wibu-Systems. “CodeMeter meets all of our requirements”, he stresses, but he also draws attention to another contribution for which he is grateful, namely for Wibu-Systems “sharing their knowledge for software monetization”. It is a sentiment echoed by Oliver Winzenried, co-founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems: “Our vision for CodeMeter is not just to provide the very best in protection technology, but to equip our clients with the knowledge and capabilities they can use to seize new business opportunities.”

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news-5692 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0100 Wibu-Systems and Phoenix Contact integrate CodeMeter into the PLCnext ecosystem https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-and-phoenix-integrate-codemeter-into-the-plcnext-ecosystem.html Empowering innovative and secure business models with CodeMeter Empowering innovative and secure business models with CodeMeter

PLCnext is the industrial automation ecosystem combining hardware, engineering software, and a digital marketplace created by Phoenix Contact, the German automation specialists. Working under its hood, Wibu-Systems’ popular CodeMeter technology makes much of this possible with its award-winning protection and smart licensing capabilities.

Wibu-Systems from Karlsruhe had already teamed up in 2017 with its northern German partners at Phoenix Contact to integrate its protection solution in the company’s sophisticated automation engineering software PLCnext Engineer, protecting the invaluable IP of both Phoenix Contact and the users of its platform. Now, both companies decided to take this partnership to a new level to create the new and holistically designed PLCnext experience: A combined hardware and software ecosystem for industrial controllers and automation equipment, paired with a uniquely open software system to run Phoenix Contact’s own or third-party applications on the company’s hardware. The backbone of this new ecosystem is the PLCnext Store, a marketplace for automation software that was made possible with CodeMeter’s tough protection and versatile licensing capabilities.

The PLCnext Store was deliberately designed in a user-friendly Appstore format to lower the entry threshold for first-time users and ensure a more comfortable user experience for clients that were already used to conventional industrial automation software. Users can go to the Store and buy licenses for complete applications or individual functionalities or features of their PLCnext hardware, letting them fashion their automation setup to match the needs and specifications on the ground with exceptional flexibility. Everything was built to work perfectly in the wider PLCnext ecosystem, taking away potential concerns about compatibility issues.

One particularly attractive aspect of the PLCnext Store and the ecosystem at large is its openness: It is not restricted to Phoenix Contact’s own software range, but acts as a channel for third-party developers as well. Developers can upload their products to the Store for distribution through the PLCnext user base. Here, Phoenix Contact’s partnership with Wibu-Systems comes into its own: The inclusion of CodeMeter protection and licensing capabilities means that the entire process is as unobtrusive and smooth as possible for developers.

When adding their software to the Store, developers automatically benefit from CodeMeter encryption, as their work is protected to safeguard the intellectual assets they invested in it. They can then pick the licensing options and pricing to suit their business model, and the CodeMeter-empowered PLCnext Store takes care of distributing their products according to their chosen strategy and specifications. Trial licenses are also available to let users test-run their chosen automation software before making the full purchase. Regional restrictions can be set and enforced by the CodeMeter licensing system to avoid any concerns about export bans or simply to stay in control of which market to grow and expand. The available license models are as versatile and granular as they can be, down to the ability to license individual machine features separately. And after the user has made their purchase, the developer can rest assured that the software will only run with the right license, on the right Phoenix Contact hardware, and with their know-how secure wherever it is at work.

For Phoenix Contact, the choice of CodeMeter was not only due to its exceptional and award-winning IP protection capabilities. A particularly attractive feature was its easy integration into existing systems. Built to work with most CRM, ERP, and e-commerce systems, CodeMeter could easily be built right into the existing Phoenix Contact back office landscape. The protection, licensing, and later license management processes, including updates, are neatly integrated with the complete order management, distribution, and billing setup, not only avoiding any disruption to Phoenix Contact’s service infrastructure, but even levelling it up with its extensive automation and self-service capabilities that make offering, selling, and keeping track of software licenses easier than ever for both seller and buyer.

Daniel Buschatzky, Technology Manager, PLCnext Technology, Phoenix Contact Electronics explained: “CodeMeter has already been an integral part of the Phoenix Contact software development and distribution process for many years, and it was the right choice again to provide the protection and licensing backbone of our PLCnext Store. It gives us and our third-party developers great peace of mind, as we know that our IP can make its way into the world without worrying about theft or reverse engineering.”

For Stefan Bamberg, Senior Key Account at Wibu-Systems, the cooperation with Phoenix Contact was a case study of what CodeMeter can do for business: “The PLCnext Store is an example of what we are all about at Wibu-Systems: Unbeatable encryption, tough IP protection, and a choice of licensing models that let you shape your business model to your liking – and all of that in a seamless integration into a holistic hardware, software, and service ecosystem.”

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news-5687 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0100 KEYnote 44: A cybersecurity tale, powerful CodeMeter licensing, and news from behind the scenes at Wibu-Systems https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/magazine-keynote-44-a-cybersecurity-tale.html Covering protection and licensing with stories from current practitioners and a look ahead at the post-quantum future Covering protection and licensing with stories from current practitioners and a look ahead at the post-quantum future

As the days grow shorter in the northern hemisphere, it is time to take stock of the stories and developments of the year. For loyal fans and users of CodeMeter, the protection, licensing, and security solution of Wibu-Systems, this naturally includes the new edition of the KEYnote magazine, published every six months by the IT security specialists from Karlsruhe with news from the field, stories from the company, and think pieces about the future direction of cybersecurity.

Alongside its many technology news stories and contributions from developers and practitioners, the 44th issue of the KEYnote magazine includes a very special look at an issue that has sparked a live debate among cybersecurity theorists and developers: The now very present quantum computing threat. Long acknowledged as a theoretical possibility since Peter Shor demonstrated the ability of quantum computers to break the mathematical underpinnings of established encryption algorithms, the advent of working and commercially available quantum computers implies that current encryptions no longer offer the virtually guaranteed security that they used to. Although technological limitations still leave some breathing space, the time to act for cybersecurity professionals is now, says Dr. Carmen Kempka, Wibu-Systems’ Corporate Technology Director, in her piece on “Racing the Quantum Hare”. Taking the story of a familiar German folktale as a model, her contribution outlines the nature of the threat and the current prevention and standardization efforts in the field to support Dr. Kempka’s call for quantum agility: a proactive response to the threat that does not give up on the established measures, but shores them up by putting in place additional, post-quantum-secure technologies and countermeasures.

Of more immediate relevance for regular users of CodeMeter, this KEYnote issue includes new options for using their favorite protection and licensing technology. The topics covered range from a close look at the capabilities of the License Portal, not least for establishing new sales channels via reseller integration, to the choice of hosting packages for staged software deployment via its license management mothership, CodeMeter License Central, and more specialized concerns like the option of using the fundamental must-have for encryption and license creation in the cloud, with Cloud FSB.

Practitioners will enjoy the issue’s featured article on consumption-based licenses as a sleek and simple means to build a new business model for their software products. With the ability to track usage effectively and accurately, consumption-based licenses are a powerful choice alongside conventional one-off purchases or regular subscriptions; all three licensing models represent different ways of conceptualizing the relationship with the client and finding the right balance between market demand and pricing policy and, together, they cover every possible scenario. This issue of the KEYnote magazine explores the issue further with a closer look at CodeMeter’s license monitoring capabilities, which represent the technical backbone for consumption-based licenses and other license engineering feats, like enforcing time limits or establishing clever and effective user management.

The fall/winter issue of the KEYnote magazine again offers the full range of reports and stories from the CodeMeter world, with many actionable insights for practitioners, interesting use cases, and other news from Wibu-Systems.

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news-5661 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0100 Wibu-Systems CodeMeter Technology Secures the Software that Secures the Grid https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/codemeter-secures-the-software-that-secures-the-grid.html Strong IP Protection and a Flexible Licensing Solution for DIgSILENT’s PowerFactory Grid Analysis Software Strong IP Protection and a Flexible Licensing Solution for DIgSILENT’s PowerFactory Grid Analysis Software

CodeMeter, Wibu-Systems' internationally renowned technology for protecting and licensing digital assets, has been selected by DIgSILENT to securely market their PowerFactory grid analysis software. DIgSILENT GmbH is a German independent software and consulting company providing highly specialized services in the field of electrical systems for power generation, transmission, and distribution, including industrial facilities and renewable energy infrastructures. DIgSILENT’s PowerFactory is the leading power system analysis software for utilities and consulting companies around the world.

Designing and managing power grids is a highly sophisticated business and the rapid pace of change in the infrastructure itself and the demand profiles call for a highly advanced software solution as well. PowerFactory uses load and generation forecasts and comprehensive network analysis to predict grid security and keep contingency and emergency plans. Complex algorithms and data models are required to facilitate essential analysis of power flows, short-circuit levels, dynamic stability, and harmonics. For fault situations, protection devices must be properly adjusted to save lives and minimize unsupplied energy.

DIgSILENT adopted Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter Protection Suite to secure Its PowerFactory software used by 2500 customers around the world. CodeMeter’s AxProtector encryption technology safeguards the IP and technological expertise invested in the cutting-edge software and secures it against illicit use and manipulation.

The users of PowerFactory range from small independent consultants to major utilities with multiple hundreds of concurrent users, each with unique requirements, including IT architecture, operational conditions, numbers of end users, resulting in a choice of different functionalities and types of licenses. In such a complex heterogeneous environment, DIgSILENT required a highly flexible license management solution.

Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter License Central Internet Edition provides the required versatility, reliability, and ease of use to manage the entire license lifecycle online. The database-driven license and entitlement management solution automates the process of creating, delivering, and managing licenses for software and digital content. For DIgSILENT, the necessary licenses are available in many configurations to suit each customer’s specific needs, with a choice of more than 40 modules. The licenses are delivered in CodeMeter hardware (CmDongle) or software (CmActLicense) containers. DIgSILENT is also actively testing Wibu-Systems’ cloud-based licensing solution, CmCloud, for even more flexibility.

Dr. Jochen Alber, Managing Director, DIgSILENT GmbH, said: “Our clients have a wide range of individual requirements. With Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter, we are able to fulfill all those requirements and secure our software at the same time. Wibu-Systems has proved itself a great partner in finding solutions and, at the same time, providing a licensing system that is easy to maintain. For us, the performance and flexibility of CodeMeter were a key component. They have served us well, and we look forward to continued collaboration.”

Oliver Winzenried, CEO of Wibu-Systems’ headquarters, added: “Technology is advancing at an incredibly rapid pace on all fronts. The ongoing development of our CodeMeter technology allows us to meet the complex protection and licensing challenges presented by our customers across varied industries. We are pleased that the security and flexibility provided by CodeMeter is meeting the unique licensing and protection requirements of DIgSILENT and the users of their PowerFactory software.”

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news-5658 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0100 CodeMeter becomes the licensing backbone of B&R’s automation platform https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/codemeter-the-licensing-backbone-of-br-automation.html Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter Built into B&R’s Technology Guarding System Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter Built into B&R’s Technology Guarding System

Wibu-Systems, the protection and licensing specialists from Karlsruhe, is raising a flag for a safer and more secure industrial automation world with a long-standing technological cooperation with B&R, the leading automation company from Austria. As part of the ABB Group, B&R is committed to engineering excellence and innovation, making the decision to add Wibu-Systems’ world-leading CodeMeter solution to its Technology Guarding system seem a natural step for them. With custom versions of the popular CmStick security hardware and all of CodeMeter’s encryption and license management capabilities working in the background, Technology Guarding becomes the powerful tool to protect and license both B&R’s own automation software and the third-party solutions of its users.

B&R’s Technology Guarding system is designed as a powerful means to encrypt and protect the software running on the company’s automation hardware, including the applications developed by its users. With CodeMeter bringing not only its unique encryption and license management competences to the mix, but also its extensive integration capabilities, the entire Technology Guarding experience is integrated with B&R’s established back office systems. Users can therefore simply choose and buy licenses for the functions they require for their automation hardware, and the system takes care of the entire ordering, license creation, delivery, and billing process for them. Should they want to expand their systems or add new functionalities, they can simply add more licenses as they go.

One of the design principles for the Technology Guarding system is that it should keep a low profile and intrude as little as possible into the user experience. This makes CodeMeter a perfect match for B&R, as its license management and protection capabilities are built into Technology Guarding with the smallest footprint possible. In practice, this means the complete integration of CodeMeter’s license monitoring and management features in a powerful, but economically designed web portal, the Technology Guarding Portal. Here, users get an immediate overview over the often-large numbers of licenses active in their automation landscapes, with direct access to important information about the status of each license, their activation times, updates, and much more. This easy and convenient overview is particularly helpful in the heterogeneous setups that will exist in many, if not most real-life industrial infrastructures, with different generations of different devices, often produced by different makers, all working together. But even in new greenfield sites, designed from scratch and as clean and uniform as they can be, the Technology Guarding Portal is a perfect expression of CodeMeter’s low-key and user-friendly design: Any license operations can be handled right there, with the necessary transactions happening via SOAP interface in the background.

The visible expression of all this software wizardry is the custom dongle that serves as the license container and hardware anchor for the essential security operations. Available in a choice of either a CmStick/B or CmStick/C Basic, the sleek USB dongles are customized to match B&R’s Technology Guarding design, but without any compromise on their popular capabilities, including specially secured storage capacities to provide a safe repository for sensitive information that might be needed by engineers or service technicians in the field. Alternatively, users can choose to forego these added capabilities of the hardware containers and use the software-only option, CmActLicenses, for even more mobility and versatility.

Oliver Winzenried, CEO and founder at Wibu-Systems, believes cooperations like those with B&R are the right way forward: “At Wibu-Systems, we make it a point to say that we are more than just security or licensing specialists. We consider ourselves business enablers, and adding CodeMeter to B&R’s Technology Guarding is a perfect expression of what that means in practice: You get security by design, and you get the means to protect, license, and distribute even proprietary software developed by B&R’s users themselves.”

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news-5643 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0100 CodeMeter pushes the security frontier for medical devices https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/codemeter-pushes-the-security-frontier-for-medical-devices.html Wibu-Systems bringing its IP protection to Medica 2022 Wibu-Systems bringing its IP protection to Medica 2022

Wibu-Systems, the company behind the popular CodeMeter protection, licensing, and security technology, is a loyal supporter of the Medica expo. For this year’s edition of the world’s leading medical technology expo, the security specialists from Karlsruhe will be coming to Düsseldorf from 14 to 17 November with lots of news and insights concerning the future of healthcare and medical devices.

For medical professionals, be they practicing doctors, hospital administrators, or medical technology engineers, Medica is a must. Every year, the fair brings more than a hundred thousand visitors to the Düsseldorf expo grounds, populated by thousands of exhibitors from every sector of the medical world. The exhibitor categories range from cutting-edge diagnostics and modern imaging technologies to more routine sellers of hospital equipment, pharmaceuticals, and consumables, medical publishers, or service providers and, of course, medical IT systems and solutions.

Wibu-Systems is a proud technology partner of many innovative medical businesses, both established names in the field and more bijou tech-forward enterprises. As such, Medica has long been an important event on the Wibu-Systems calendar. This year, instead of coming to Düsseldorf with its own booth, the company will send a high-profile team of representatives, friends, and partners who will take an active part in the Tech Forum on 14 November.

Headlining the event, Steffen Zimmermann of the VDMA association will be introducing the perennial VDMA product piracy study, a topic of particular relevance in the medical field, where counterfeit products can have serious consequences for the wellbeing of their users and the commercial fate of entire companies in this investment-heavy and highly competitive business. In his contribution, Wibu-Systems’ co-founder and CEO, Oliver Winzenried, will address a pertinent aspect: The importance of reliable software bills-of-materials and digital product passes for devices that operators and their patients can trust, and the importance of sophisticated licensing solutions to make all of this secure, traceable, and commercially sustainable.

Siemens Healthineers, the other eminent enterprise behind the panel, is represented by Dr. Georg Heidenreich, its Director Healthcare IT Standards. Dr. Heidenreich will take the audience to the new cybersecurity frontier in the medical field: As medical devices have become smarter and more connected, entire new industries of cybercriminals have sprung up, as evidenced by the constant stream of news about ransomware or other cyberattacks on healthcare providers. With entire hospitals brought to a standstill in particularly severe incidents, the industry has had to rethink its approach to regulations, standards, and security in the direction of a more proactive and holistic understanding.

Dr. Carmen Kempka, who heads the corporate technology unit at Wibu-Systems, will then take the discussion to a new level with a look at a topic that has made the leap from the pages of science fiction writers to the real world − Artificial intelligence. As learning algorithms are beginning to take over more and more sophisticated and critical roles in the medical field in particular, cybersecurity has gained new urgency. Hacking, manipulation, or industrial espionage are no longer only a worry for a company’s bottom line; they become a serious threat to the reliability of diagnoses and treatments when artificial intelligence becomes a vital part of imaging, diagnostics, or other parts of the medical landscape.

“AI has the power to massively improve the accuracy of diagnostics”, Dr. Kempka explains. “But when a hacker tampers with the machine learning process of e.g. an AI that checks CT scans in cancer diagnostics, people’s lives are at risk. We at Wibu-Systems are preparing today for the threats of tomorrow, and we will be at Medica to share our insights with our friends and clients in the industry.”

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news-5628 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0100 Build Your Own Business Model: Wibu-Systems at formnext 2022 https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-at-formnext-2022.html Wibu-Systems showcases the business-enabling potential of CodeMeter Wibu-Systems showcases the business-enabling potential of CodeMeter

formnext is the leading expo for the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry, and Wibu-Systems will be returning as one of the key exhibitors at this year’s edition in Frankfurt, Germany, from 15 to 18 November. The licensing and protection specialists will be on site in Hall 11.1, booth D69J to present the business-enabling potential of their flagship CodeMeter technology.

Additive manufacturing represents the expression of Industry 4.0 that is most immediate and true to the original vision: A digitalized and servitized world, where entrepreneurs can work together from anywhere to create more agile and flexible businesses. With 3D printers making it possible to create physical products with little to no specialized tool development or lengthy machine fitting and retooling, products can be created by manufacturing service providers at the point of need. This eliminates many of the entry thresholds for new entrepreneurs and can potentially make the entire manufacturing sector more sustainable with a more targeted response to actual demand and less waste in the industry.

Wibu-Systems has long been one of the pioneers of the Industry 4.0 vision and has refined its popular CodeMeter licensing and protection technology to become a true business enabler with smart license models, including pay-per-use or subscription licenses. At this year’s formnext, Wibu-Systems is keen on speaking about two unique success stories that show the value of CodeMeter to enable new business models in the additive manufacturing sector.

OMNIplus is Daimler Buses’ service for the owners and operators of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses. In the company’s quest to provide its users with fast and agile parts and services, Daimler Buses took the courageous step to move wholescale into the digital world and offer a growing selection of parts and components as 3D-printable downloads from its new 3D printing shop. Customers only need a certified printer of Farsoon Technologies and the right licenses, provided courtesy of CodeMeter. Together, Daimler Buses, Farsoon, and Wibu-Systems created a fully secure and smart online store in which all digital assets are securely protected by CodeMeter’s award-winning encryption technology and licensed at two stages: When they buy a digital part, the customers receive a prepress license to prepare the print job and a separate license for the actual number of parts they can print. With CodeMeter’s extensive integration capabilities, all of this is built right into the OMNIplus ecosystem, with swift and reliable order handling, delivery, and billing. The new store solution is not only a model for how effectively different companies can cooperate to create a new service, but also for how CodeMeter can be far more than a protection and licensing technology and become the backbone of a completely new form of enterprise.

The second particular highlight at the show is a look at Wibu-Systems’ contribution to the ProCloud3D project, a combined Sino-German venture in which high-profile enterprises and research institutions are working together on a model platform for additive Manufacturing-as-a-Service. Highly automated, user-friendly and, above all, secure thanks to Wibu-Systems’ technology, the ProCloud3D platform will offer a taste of what the future holds for a more nimble, responsive, and responsible manufacturing industry in the years to come.

Oliver Winzenried, co-founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, is reminded of his own past: “When Marcellus Buchheit and I launched Wibu-Systems more than 30 years ago, we were driven by this spirit of pragmatic optimism. It’s great to see our technology now giving both young and established entrepreneurs a powerful tool to go out and create their own innovative business models, as we can see at formnext.”

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news-5580 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0200 Wibu-Systems and Daimler Buses launch a revolutionary 3D-printed parts shop https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-and-daimler-buses-launch-a-3d-printed-parts-shop.html Using CodeMeter’s protection and licensing power to reinvent the automotive consumable business Using CodeMeter’s protection and licensing power to reinvent the automotive consumable business

The IP protection and licensing pioneers of Wibu-Systems have teamed up with the global bus vendor Daimler Truck and the additive manufacturing specialists Farsoon Technologies to turn the automotive spare parts world upside down with a revolutionary 3D-printable parts service. The new OMNIplus online store lets the owners and operators of Daimler and Setra buses buy and print a vast selection of consumables, when and where they need them. With CodeMeter protecting the digital objects throughout the complete sales lifecycle, the novel service makes good on the Industry 4.0 promise of Manufacturing-as-a-Service.

Even with an efficient and organized parts service like the conventional OMNIplus operations, it takes time to order and dispatch automotive components. For commercial operators of buses and coaches, this can mean routes not serviced and revenue lost as their vehicles are sitting idle and waiting for much needed items. Daimler Buses decided to take out the middleman and let bus operators buy and make genuine, licensed parts themselves with an intelligent online store for 3D printable components. To do so, they turned to the industrial additive manufacturing professionals at Farsoon Technologies for the printing hardware and software and to the IP protection and licensing specialists Wibu-Systems to secure both the sensitive know-how contained in print designs and in the preprinting, printing, and billing process.

Bus operators can now go to the new OMNIplus 3D Printing License eshop and pick the items they need from an initial selection of 100 parts, which is destined to grow fast, as Daimler Buses has already identified around 40,000 potentially 3D printable parts from their back catalogue to add to the store. All the buyers need to get the physical product in their hands is either access to their nearest OMNIplus service partner to handle the process or simply a certified Farsoon Technologies printer to create their own mini-factory.

After they have made their purchase, they receive three digital items: The actual digital object data, encrypted with Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter® award-winning protection technology, and both a preprinting and a printing license. The former is needed to prepare the print job with the Buildstar® software of Farsoon Technologies, while the latter specifies exactly how many copies of the digital object they can manufacture with the Makestar® software on a certified Farsoon printer. The entire process happens under the watchful eye of CodeMeter, whose tough encryption algorithms ensure that the digital parts cannot be reverse-engineered or otherwise tampered with and whose smart tracking capabilities and integration with Daimler Buses’ SAP system guarantees that the users of the OMNIplus service can only make as many parts as they paid for and are only billed for what they really need.

The entire shopping and printing experience was deliberately designed to be as unobtrusive and natural as possible. Buying parts via the OMNIplus 3D Printing License shop feels like any online retail system, and the buyer will notice little of the cryptographic and license management operations taking place behind the scenes, while Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter License Central works as the license handler and arbiter in the background.

For Dr. Dirk Simon, Managing Director of Farsoon Europe, the success of the solution comes from the strong cooperation between the partners involved: “The many years of excellent cooperation between Evobus and Farsoon has really helped this complex project along. In Wibu-Systems, we have found a very good partner, and all three of us are very proud to have developed this solution in record time.”

Ralf Anderhofstadt, Head of Center of Competence Additive Manufacturing at Daimler Trucks and Buses added “The successful implementation of the revolutionary AM digital rights management system means that our partners and we have made a real mark in the digital 3D printing business. This opens up completely new vistas for our service operations and for the availability of products where they are needed at the point of sale, both commercially speaking and thinking about the good of our environment.”.

The combined work of Daimler Buses, Wibu-Systems, and Farsoon Technologies has created a model implementation of the digital industry vision with all of its flexibility, agility, and ease of use. It shows its business enabling power not just for the OMNIplus service itself, but potentially also for a new generation of Manufacturing-as-a-Service providers who could begin offering the printing service on behalf of the buyers of 3D-printable products. With parts and components available anywhere in the world and around the clock and with complex and resource-intensive logistics removed from the equation, the system offers vast economic and ecological benefits.

Wibu-Systems, Farsoon Technologies, and Daimler Buses will showcase their joint solution at the additive manufacturing expo Formnext in Hall 11.1, at the D69J booth, from 15 to 18 November in Frankfurt, Germany.

Stefan Bamberg, Senior Key Account and Partner Manager at Wibu-Systems, is looking forward to showing how CodeMeter can help create new Industry 4.0 business models to a wider audience: “With CodeMeter in the picture, the crew behind the OMNIplus 3D printing service and their customers can rest assured that their IP is secure, the process is protected, and the parts are genuine and safe from manipulation, even if they are produced by the users themselves – a win-win outcome all around”.

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news-5597 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0200 Wibu-Systems at SPS – Extending the spectrum of business models to bring new blood to industrial automation https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/wibu-systems-at-sps-2022.html CodeMeter's contribution to a fully digitized industrial world CodeMeter's contribution to a fully digitized industrial world

Wibu-Systems, the global protection, licensing, and security specialists, is returning to Nuremberg, Germany for SPS – the Smart Production Solutions expo – from 8 to 10 November, in Hall 6, booth 428. In addition to reviewing the industrial digitization innovations on display, visitors will learn about the crucial role that CodeMeter, Wibu-Systems' flagship technology, plays in extending business models in the automation sector through field applications from several high-profile vendors.

Industrial automation covers a vast range of technologies, systems, and services. The digitization of industrial plants takes many forms, from the design of pioneering networks in which smart factories are assisted by artificial intelligence, to the introduction of innovative industrial web stores. Brown and greenfield deployments have two things in common: Increased risks from cyber threats and the opportunities of a more connected and agile economy. At this critical juncture for the growth of a new industrial generation, CodeMeter has much to offer on both of these fronts; Wibu-Systems' stellar technology protects today's digitally dependent supply chains and know-how and enables multiple business models through versatile license management.

At the leading industrial automation expo SPS, visitors will have a chance to discover the potential of CodeMeter in action, not just at the booth of its developers, but also at many of the key outfitters of modern, smart industry. This includes the integration of CodeMeter in the Technology Guarding security solution of automation specialists B&R, where custom versions of Wibu-Systems’ CmStick USB security hardware act as the physical expression of a comprehensive encryption and licensing system for B&R’s industrial controllers. A similar approach can be discovered by visitors at Phoenix Contact, whose PLCnext automation ecosystem includes a dedicated PLCnext Store for Phoenix Contact’s own and third-party applications, made possible with the granular encryption and licensing capabilities of CodeMeter.

These and other use cases from across the industrial automation spectrum highlight CodeMeter’s role, and not just in adding new protections to individual products or entire ecosystems, like the integration of cryptographic capabilities to OPC UA protocol or Wind River’s VxWorks Workbench. Wibu-Systems' technology also has commercial significance, enabling a complete modernization of the go-to-market strategy for the industrial world: The ability to protect and license software or even individual machine functions can open up new commercial avenues for industry leaders.

At SPS, our secure licensing specialists will be ready to explore this aspect, comparing the commercial potential of subscription or consumption-based licenses with more conventional retail models, and to explain why the right choice of licensing model should be an executive decision.

Looking forward to his visit at SPS, Oliver Winzenried, Wibu-Systems’ CEO and founder, believes that the time is right to reconsider old habits: “Our clients know and appreciate CodeMeter as a means to protect their IP, products, and supply chains. However, over the years, we and our partners are increasingly discovering the empowering and business-enabling qualities of our technology. CodeMeter, smartly integrated, and with the right design of licensing model, can open up completely new vistas for new and established industrial enterprises.”

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news-5532 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:43:00 +0200 Swedish analytics specialists Image Systems opts for CodeMeter-based license management technology https://www.wibu.com/press-releases/press-release-details/detail/image-systems-opts-for-codemeter-based-license-management-technology.html Effectively securing the unique IP for moving image analysis while maintaining ease-of-use Effectively securing the unique IP for moving image analysis while maintaining ease-of-use

Wibu-Systems, makers of the popular CodeMeter protection, licensing, and security technology, has been chosen by the Swedish company Image Systems to supply its IP protection and license management solution for their new TEMA platform. The software specialists for moving images analysis was looking for a balance between high-quality security standards and ease-of-use.

After a successful proof of concept, Image Systems has started distributing software modules with its invaluable intellectual property protected by Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology. The development of the analysis software requires a lot of unique know-how. From its origins in the early 1980s, the Swedish company has been taking measures against the improper use of the software and infringement of its intellectual property rights. Although the solution was effective, it also involved a cumbersome process for activating the licenses to use the software. As the company is actively renewing its product line, it took the decision to also move to a new generation of license management technology. The requirements were: The chosen solution must provide sound protection against theft and reverse engineering and also be easy to install and activate by legitimate users.

Image Systems is working towards a new generation of analysis applications on the TEMA platform (Track Eye Motion Analysis). Several components have already been launched, secured by the CodeMeter technology of Wibu-Systems. Because the company serves its customers both directly and through an OEM partner channel, it expected the security solution to cause as little friction as possible in the process. With CodeMeter, users can sign up for a license for the desired software functionality via a separate portal, a process that the CodeMeter technology handles fully automatically.

The Swedish software company also wanted a flexible license registration system that would allow it to create freemium versions of the software, i.e. limited-function software that potential users can try out for free. This was again made possible by CodeMeter License Central from Wibu-Systems. The decision was also motivated by the wish to strike a good balance between security and convenience for the company’s customers in various sectors of industry ranging from general engineering to machine vision technology.

"Our product developers are very satisfied with the technical support provided by Wibu-Systems in both the proof-of-concept phase and during the actual implementation", says Christofer Boo, Product Manager at Image Systems Motion Analysis.

Image Systems has customers in the manufacturing, defense, and other industries, where the ability to accurately measure variations in digitally captured images provides important information for operational decisions. The analysis process may include tracking the repositioning or the changing shapes of objects moving in the captured images.

"Licensing and security are not necessarily a strength of developers. The experienced developers at Image Systems worked for a long time with a solution to protect the company’s IP. And although effective, they decided to replace the solution step by step for our CodeMeter technology because of its functionality, flexibility, and user friendliness for the user of their software. We are very proud to have a Swedish pioneer in high tech development as our customer", says Marcel Hartgerink, Managing Director Wibu-Systems Nordic-Baltic Eight.

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