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Electronic signature type
Description
Netscape signatures
Netscape signatures are a type of digital signature (see 2.7.3, “Digital
signatures” on page 110). Netscape signatures use the Netscape
encryption engine. To use this type of digital signature, it is necessary
for the user to obtain a digital certificate. Netscape signatures use
certificates located in the user’s Netscape certificate store.
Signature Pad signatures
Signature pad signatures are a blending of electronic signatures and
handwritten signatures. You write your signature on a digital pad that
captures your handwriting and converts it into an electronic format.
This signature is then added to the form, along with a graphic that
shows the handwriting. Thus, Signature Pad signatures provide a
familiar feel for the signing process.
Silanis signatures
Silanis Technology, Inc. provides a signature type that blends a digital
signature and a signature pad signature. This means that an image of
your signature is captured using a signature pad, but the actual
signature is created using a digital certificate. The image of your
handwritten signature is then stored as part of the digital signature for
later reference. This combines the familiar pen-based signing process
with the strength of digital certificates.
Clickwrap signatures
Clickwrap signatures are electronic signatures that do not require
digital certificates. While they still offer a measure of security due to an
encryption algorithm, Clickwrap signatures are not security tools.
Authenticated Clickwrap
signatures
Authenticated Clickwrap signatures are a blending of Clickwrap and
digital signatures. This enables users to securely sign a form without
relying on an extended PKI infrastructure.
2.7.3 Digital signatures
Digital signatures are among the most secure electronic signatures. When you use digital
signatures, each user is given a digital certificate. This certificate is actually a small file on a
disk or on another device, such as a smart card. Each certificate also contains a unique code,
and the certificate imprints this code on each signature you create with it. This means that all
of your signatures can be traced back to your certificate, and the certificate itself can be
traced back to you. In this way, digital signatures identify you through a clear chain of
ownership.
Workplace Forms supports the following digital signature types:
򐂰 RSA standard signatures
These signatures are based on the RSA standard for digital signatures. This is a public
standard that is broadly supported by both Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and browser
vendors. Workplace Forms products rely on the security libraries in the Microsoft Internet
Explorer and Netscape browsers to provide support for RSA signatures.
򐂰 Entrust signatures
These signatures are based on a proprietary standard developed by Entrust, Inc. These
signatures are not broadly supported, and require additional software from Entrust. This
may take the form of client software or a central server that processes online signature
requests.
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IBM Workplace Forms 2.6: Guide to Building and Integrating a Sample Workplace Forms Application