Wibu-Systems, a global leader in the software licensing and protection industry, have 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.
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.
ETM professional control is a fully owned subsidiary of Siemens AG based in Eisenstadt, Austria, that develops the SCADA system SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture. SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture (WinCC OA), developed by ETM professional control, is a favorite among the professionals who develop and operate many of the complex applications on which modern society and business depend on – a challenging job for protection and licensing systems. Part of the SIMATIC HMI line, the system is used in traffic, water, energy, oil and gas, building automation, and many other critical sectors to run sophisticated control systems. A worldwide network of WinCC OA partners and integrators adds to the core team to realize customers’ projects around the globe.
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.
Dr. Bernhard Reichl, CEO of ETM professional control
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.
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.
Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management of Wibu-Systems
The Challenge
The WinCC Open Architecture stands behind some of most complex, distributed, and remotely operated SCADA systems running critical infrastructures everywhere in the world.The software technology landscape is rapidly evolving towards the utilization of cloud systems, providing shorter time-to-market and update cycles. Modern operating environments like Docker containers or container clusters, require open and flexible software that is robust enough to protect against fraud while supporting a wide range of platforms, from ARM to x86 on the hardware side and Windows and Linux from an operating system standpoint. The modular structure of WinCC OA makes it easier to customize the installation and enables simple maintenance and deployment of the software. The licensing system should be flexible so that new functions can be added effortlessly. This results in a wide range of items that can be combined in a specific WinCC OA product license.
The Solution
ETM professional control has chosen CodeMeter as a powerful replacement of their home grown solution to meet the new requirements, providing uniform and fully aligned protection and licensing capabilities across all relevant systems and platforms, ranging from ARM to x86, running on Windows and Linux, and from the smallest IoT device to the cloud. CodeMeter’s ability to ensure secure licensing even in distributed and decentralized setups, range of license containers, and its effective integration with ERP systems give users in the field a flexible choice of ways to manage their licenses and tailor their systems perfectly to their projects’ needs.
Our SCADA product SIMATIC WinCC OA uses CodeMeter for license generation and protection, enabling 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.
Dr. Bernhard Reichl CEO, ETM professional control
CodeMeter’s backbone infrastructure integrates with ERP and shop systems to provide a closed user journey from selecting an item in the store to shipping the license. Flexible binding options, with or without dongles, complete the picture. The fine-grained structure of license item properties is perfectly aligned with the highly modular nature of a WinCC OA system and meets the business model specifications for permanent and recurring revenue. It allows dependencies as well as the addition and removal of features when composing a license from individual parts.
Business models with recurring revenue gain more and more significance aside from the traditional one-time investments. Software procurement should seamlessly adapt to this model to ensure uninterrupted plant operation. Enterprise-level supply chain integration is critical to delivering a superior customer experience. Customers expect a seamless experience, from ordering to software license delivery to integration into the software project.
The Result
Robustness and adaptability: Two characteristics that Wibu-Systems and ETM professional control have in common. The integration of CodeMeter as a protection and licensing solution provides a new level of flexibility and convenience with the ability to tailor licenses to specific requirements with true granularity. Always keeping its finger on the pulse, WinCC Open Architecture, protected by CodeMeter, enables them to respond to the rapidly evolving demands of the software technology landscape. As technology and regulatory requirements constantly adapt, so do business models. Thanks to the agile CodeMeter system, ETM professional control can provide a seamless and easy-to-use customer journey.