Wibu-Systems CodeMeter Technology Secures the Software that Secures the Grid

CodeMeter, Wibu-Systems' internationally renowned technology for protecting and licensing digital assets, has been selected by DIgSILENT to securely market their PowerFactory grid analysis software. DIgSILENT GmbH is a German independent software and consulting company providing highly specialized services in the field of electrical systems for power generation, transmission, and distribution, including industrial facilities and renewable energy infrastructures. DIgSILENT’s PowerFactory is the leading power system analysis software for utilities and consulting companies around the world.

Designing and managing power grids is a highly sophisticated business and the rapid pace of change in the infrastructure itself and the demand profiles call for a highly advanced software solution as well. PowerFactory uses load and generation forecasts and comprehensive network analysis to predict grid security and keep contingency and emergency plans. Complex algorithms and data models are required to facilitate essential analysis of power flows, short-circuit levels, dynamic stability, and harmonics. For fault situations, protection devices must be properly adjusted to save lives and minimize unsupplied energy.

DIgSILENT adopted Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter Protection Suite to secure Its PowerFactory software used by 2500 customers around the world. CodeMeter’s AxProtector encryption technology safeguards the IP and technological expertise invested in the cutting-edge software and secures it against illicit use and manipulation.

The users of PowerFactory range from small independent consultants to major utilities with multiple hundreds of concurrent users, each with unique requirements, including IT architecture, operational conditions, numbers of end users, resulting in a choice of different functionalities and types of licenses. In such a complex heterogeneous environment, DIgSILENT required a highly flexible license management solution.

Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter License Central Internet Edition provides the required versatility, reliability, and ease of use to manage the entire license lifecycle online. The database-driven license and entitlement management solution automates the process of creating, delivering, and managing licenses for software and digital content. For DIgSILENT, the necessary licenses are available in many configurations to suit each customer’s specific needs, with a choice of more than 40 modules. The licenses are delivered in CodeMeter hardware (CmDongle) or software (CmActLicense) containers. DIgSILENT is also actively testing Wibu-Systems’ cloud-based licensing solution, CmCloud, for even more flexibility.

Dr. Jochen Alber, Managing Director, DIgSILENT GmbH, said: “Our clients have a wide range of individual requirements. With Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter, we are able to fulfill all those requirements and secure our software at the same time. Wibu-Systems has proved itself a great partner in finding solutions and, at the same time, providing a licensing system that is easy to maintain. For us, the performance and flexibility of CodeMeter were a key component. They have served us well, and we look forward to continued collaboration.”

Oliver Winzenried, CEO of Wibu-Systems’ headquarters, added: “Technology is advancing at an incredibly rapid pace on all fronts. The ongoing development of our CodeMeter technology allows us to meet the complex protection and licensing challenges presented by our customers across varied industries. We are pleased that the security and flexibility provided by CodeMeter is meeting the unique licensing and protection requirements of DIgSILENT and the users of their PowerFactory software.”