Code meter for monetizing embedded software
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Wibu-Systems offers CodeMeter a technology to monetize and protect Embedded Software. The static library Codemeter Embedded provides the licensing and cryptography functions of Codemeter via a specific API for embedded operating systems such as Android, Linux Embedded, QNX, VxWorks and Windows. Codemeter µEmbedded was designed for very small logic modules or microcontrollers. SAP uses code meters e.g. B. for his authorization management.
Content of the technical article
- Two codemeter paths lead to the goal
- Connection to embedded device
- Code meter for logic modules and microcontrollers
- Codemeter functions for SAP Entitlement Management
- What is codemeter?
Depending on the architecture of the target system such as x86, ARM, Mips or Power PC, manufacturers receive a certain library with an extremely compact footprint of 400 to 600 KB. This allows you to run your embedded software under Linux, Android etc. with robust encryption mechanisms to protect and monetize their know-how with license-based models.
Two codemeter paths lead to the goal
The core of the Internet of Things is the networking of devices. However, there are still a large number of offline devices. From Release 2.40 of Codemeter Embedded there are two alternative ways of offline transfer of licenses. In addition to the update files, Codemeter Embedded now contains the basic functions of License Transfer.
Licensing Transfer makes it possible to transfer a license from a Cm Dongle, the protective hardware for USB, secure memory card or Asic, offline to an embedded device. At the point in time when the connection to the embedded device takes place, the two options differ.
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In the Files update the device is selected as soon as the license is downloaded as an update file in Codemeter License Central. The tool is used to automatically generate, issue and manage software licenses. If the embedded device was already recorded during production, it can be selected directly via the serial number. The update is then transferred to a memory stick for updating and installation. It is connected to the embedded device, where the license is installed using the software.
Connection to embedded device
In case of License transfer a selectable number of licenses is transferred to a Cm dongle. It is not yet clear to which embedded device these licenses will be transferred in the future. The service technician's laptop with the Cm dongle and the code meter runtime is connected to the embedded device in the field. Then the Wibu software transfers the license from the Cm Dongle and Codemeter Runtime to the embedded device. The connection to the device is only then made and is therefore not known in Codemeter License Central.
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The way via the update file supports the full flexibility of Codemeter. Licenses can be changed, delivered and returned. Codemeter License Central keeps a record of the licenses and automatisms like the restoration of all licenses on an embedded device. New licenses can be easily delivered via the license transfer. This is optimal if the target device is not yet certain at the time of contact.
Codemeter choices
Wibu Systems has the capabilities of Embedded code meter and the offer Cm dongles expanded. Manufacturers currently have the choice of installing 18 different designs for their respective market requirements. The designs differ not only in the compact or standard housing size, the housing material in plastic or metal with customer-specific adaptations and in the interfaces USB, SD, Micro SD, Cfast, SPI.
Other criteria are the types of attachment of the USB plugs SiP or standard, the implemented USB version 2.0 or 3.1, the Nand Flash memory classes MLC or PSLC, different temperature ranges of the operating environment and the choice of whether the protective hardware is removable or permanently attached.
Code meter for logic modules and microcontrollers
The variant Codemeter µEmbedded was designed for industrial users who need to protect and license very small systems such as programmable logic modules (Field Programmable Gate Arrays: FPGAs) or microcontrollers. The solution supplements the existing portfolio, which already covers PC systems with Codemeter Runtime and Embedded Embedded systems with Codemeter.
Codemeter µEmbedded contains the minimum necessary functionality and is with a storage space requirements of 60 kB for the loader code is extremely slim. In this way, licenses are linked to a unique identification number of the logic module or the microcontroller and activated in production.
Keys can also be stored in a protected memory area. This helps for example with one License control of functions in devices, the monitoring of production quantities through licensing of the individually manufactured devices or the secure, encrypted transmission of program codes and updates to a device.
The plug-in for the Dave development environment from Infineon z. B. contains Codemeter µEmbedded to encrypt and sign program code for the XMC4000 microcontroller family using a simple, graphical user interface.
Codemeter functions for SAP Entitlement Management
Wibu-Systems is Silver partner of SAP and with Codemeter it offers a secure, user-friendly solution that has been combined with SAP Entitlement Management for authorization management. With this, the company underscores its commitment to supporting software companies in a more successful data-driven economy.
Originally was SAP Entitlement Management Designed in 2018 as software-as-a-service. The aim was to map progressive business models with an optimized, lean process for managing authorizations. The term “authorizations” also includes access rights and authorizations. These determine who is allowed to use data, devices, services or applications and thus all digital goods that form the core of every software-driven company.
SAP Entitlement Management is in a ERP system like SAP S / 4 Hana integrated. This enables companies to implement traditional and innovative business models such as subscriptions or pay-per-use. SAP Entitlement Management generates the relevant authorizations for orders received by the company via the ERP system.
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This is done conveniently using automated processes and with the transparency of a complete Lifecycle Management and centralized repository solution. This includes several service, analysis and reporting tools. The software runs multi-tenant in the cloud and is optimized so that even the largest order quantities and authorizations can be processed. The software works efficiently in the background.
Comprehensive and secure code meter solution
The Permissions are controlled via SAP Entitlement Management with the help of Codemeter technology. The cloud-based license management has been integrated into the SAP processes for end-to-end support from sales and delivery to billing and revenue recognition.
If a company that has installed the extended solution receives an order, SAP Entitlement Management sends the order data to Codemeter License Central. A ticket is generated there for the user in order to be able to activate the actual license on his computer. The ticket is made available to him via SAP Entitlement Management and the ERP system. All different codemeter containers such as hardware dongles, cloud or software-based containers are supported. If the ticket is activated, the online and offline functions of Codemeter License Central ensure even more user-friendliness for administrative tasks such as license checks and updates.
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"There is only a short distance of 45 km between our two corporate headquarters, but for me, both companies are much closer to each other in terms of content due to our commitment to software and data-driven business areas," says Stephen Bamberg, Senior Key Account and Partner Manager at Wibu-Systems. "The SAP Entitlement Management and Codemeter solutions work hand in hand to support companies with secure, efficiently managed software authorizations."
Wibu-Systems is exhibiting at SPS 2021.
General technical knowledge
Code meter is a technology from Wibu-Systems for monetizing software. Codemeter protects and secures the software and offers license management. Software providers and manufacturers of devices, machines and systems benefit from the universal protection and licensing system. Code meters are available in various hardware versions such as USB sticks (CMStick), SD or other cards.