SmartKey

In depth is a small hardware dongle to plug in the parallel port or USB port of your computer. Each dongle presents a unique digital signature that is recognized by the software to be protected, therefore, the software allows its correct operation. Each dongle is characterized by a unique code that is recognized by the software to be protected and that enables its proper working.

Close is a small hardware dongle to plug in the parallel port or USB port of your computer. Each dongle presents a unique digital signature that is recognized by the software to be protected, therefore, the software allows its correct operation.

Each dongle is characterized by a unique code that is recognized by the software to be protected and that enables its proper working. While running, the program checks the key presence and codes, deciding whether to continue or stop the execution. The software can be protected by means of an automatic encrypting procedure of the executable files or through the integration of special software drivers. SmartKey is easy to install, secure and secretive: after inserting it in the PC, the User can forget it, because of its utterly transparent presence. But, if the key is removed, the software will stop working. SmartKey limits the program use to one copy at a time without preventing carrying out archive or backup copies. Used by more than 5000 software-houses all over the world, SmartKey constitutes the state-of-the-art in software security thanks to the use of microprocessors and ASIC chips especially designed for its security functions.

Smartkey is available in 6 models both for USB and LPT port, to meet both stand alone and networked requirements.

All Smartkey USB models are also available as DL, driverless thanks to the drivers already provided by the operating system.

     - They do not require any additional software.

     - The final user needs no installation procedure.

     - Software backup copies can be made as many as necessary.

     - A copy of the software can be installed on any computer and then started only in the key presence.

     - The demo version can be converted into the fully functional software simply by plugging in the dongle.

     - They are easy to be moved from a system to another.

     - They are highly secure.

     - Their programmable features, even remote, allow flexible applications.

Reliability

The hardware protection key needs to be backed by considerable experience in electronic designing and manufacture to assure top reliability. SmartKey is made in a large fully automated production plant and undergoes strict checks and tests. Our production plants and processes keep fault rates down to just a few parts out of 10,000 (99.97 % reliability). SmartKey carries the CE security mark (EEC Directive no. 89/336).

The software support

SmartKey comes provided with powerful utilities (GSS-shell) that allow the automatic protection of software in executable format, without requiring to change the sources. The technology applied (on-the-fly encryption) allows the automatic encryption of executable files, thus raising strong hacker-proof barriers against any attempts to "unprotect" the program. Other products on the market just modify the header of the.EXE file without implementing the encryption, making it easy to "unprotect" the executable file.

Compatibility with all operating environments
The world of information technology is in constant evolution and also the field of software protection must keep in step with, not to say one step ahead of, the new needs that arise (new compilers, new operating systems, new types of computers, etc.). Our research laboratories and our staff of senior and junior electronic and information technology engineers are steadfastly dedicated to expanding the already considerable software supplied with our products, to make sure that they can be used not only in the simplest environments, but in practically any context: DOS, DOS EXTENDERS, WINDOWS, WINDOWS95, Windows-NT, OS/2, UNIX SCO, UNIX AT&T, UNIX INTERACTIVE, XENIX, AIX, LINUX, SOLARIS, etc.

The network support
An appropriate SmartKey model allows software protection in local networks; SmartKey-NET is the first key ever that allows one to program internally even the top number of licences to be protected in the network. The network support software does not just manage the slow NetBios protocol like most of the existing keys, but a special .NLM module is also available for installation on the NetWare server.

The encryption technologies
SmartKey is highly popular among software-house customers because it allows them to supply additional safety features at no extra cost . For example, it carries out a virus control on the program it protects: if it finds one or more bytes altered by a virus or a hacker, the program stops running and displays an alarm message. SmartKey also makes it possible to protect files associated with the main program: administrative data-bases or simple spreadsheets are encrypted and can be used only if SmartKey is present, by this means keeping confidential or reserved information safe.

The customers
SmartKey embodies the features produced by 12 years' experience and the feedback from over 5,000 software houses the world over which are currently using it. Beyond any claims we might make with regard to quality, this figure is our best reference as to the technical standards of the key. In Italy, SmartKey is by far the best selling hardware key, with an estimated market share exceeding 70%.