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codemeter usecase: cmready

Secure Software Licensing on a Memory Card

Swissbit and Wibu-Systems Deliver Secure, Convenient License Protection

cmready cmcard swissbit codemeter

The Challenge

Industrial device makers need a way to protect their software and know-how, monetize their products through features and licenses, and ensure their devices are secure according to regulations.

Beyond the fundamental need for product security, driven by regulations like IEC 62443 and the Cyber Resilience Act and the imperative to safeguard intellectual property, businesses are increasingly exploring how to monetize product features and develop new revenue streams through licensing.

While various options exist, including software-based, cloud-based, and hardware-based licenses, the latter, represented by CmDongles, is particularly popular in the industrial sector due to its security and mobility features. However, the cost and complexity associated with different flash storage types and sizes limit the applicability of CmDongles for low-end devices.

The Solution

CmReady simplifies license management by combining the portability of hardware-based licensing with the ease of software-based solutions. Traditionally, software licenses (CmActLicenses) were tied to a device’s unique hardware fingerprint. CmReady shifts this binding to a compatible storage card, making licenses highly portable without compromising security.

This innovation leverages the familiar CodeMeter license management system, requiring no additional implementation. License security is ensured through a combination of the card’s unique ID and a protected counter, preventing unauthorized use. As a result, licenses can be effortlessly transferred between devices, even in case of hardware failure. CmReady cards are compatible with both CodeMeter Runtime and Embedded, offering versatility across various applications.

CodeMeter CmReady

The Success

Swissbit, a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade storage and security solutions, has become the first company to adopt Wibu-Systems’ CmReady standard for its Data Protection (DP) cards. This collaboration brings together Swissbit’s expertise in secure storage with Wibu-Systems’ advanced protection and licensing technology. The resulting DP cards, equipped with CodeMeter, offer robust protection for intellectual property and enable flexible monetization strategies.

CmReady provides a versatile platform for safeguarding software and intellectual property while unlocking new revenue streams. By combining the security of hardware-based licensing with the flexibility of software-based solutions, CmReady empowers device makers to choose the optimal storage option for their needs. Whether it’s a CmDongle or a CmReady-compatible card, these solutions offer exceptional portability and a wide range of hardware choices.

Beyond license protection, CodeMeter delivers comprehensive security features, including digital signatures, file encryption, and authentication. Its unique CodeMoving technology, available exclusively with CmDongles and CmCloud containers, enables secure code execution within a protected environment.

With CmReady, Wibu-Systems has established a new industry standard for combining storage media with advanced software protection and monetization. This innovative solution empowers device manufacturers to protect their intellectual property, generate new revenue, and deliver exceptional value to their customers.

The Company

Swissbit, a renowned manufacturer based in Switzerland with production facilities in Germany, specializes in industrial-grade memory and security solutions. The company is dedicated to providing reliable and durable storage products for demanding environments.

Swissbit offers a comprehensive range of SSDs, storage cards, and USB products across various NAND technologies. Additionally, they provide hardware-based security solutions that can be easily integrated into systems. Their System-in-Package (SiP) capabilities allow them to transform bare dies or chips into robust and finished modules.

Primarily catering to industries demanding high reliability and performance, Swissbit serves sectors such as automotive, industrial automation, healthcare, aerospace, and telecommunications. The company emphasizes quality and reliability through its “Made in Germany” production, and ensures long-term product support. Swissbit offers custom optimization, tailoring solutions to specific customer needs, while also providing cost-effective solutions to maintain a low total cost of ownership.

get your product cmReady!

We invite you to explore how CodeMeter can protect your IP and execute flexibile license mangement for your end-users.

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Hazenweg 80 – 7556 BM Hengelo
The Netherlands

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info@wibu.systems
+31 (0) 74 750 14 95