Embedded World 2020 – Exploring the brand new CodeMeter Embedded from Wibu-Systems

Wibu-Systems, the German trailblazer enabling the business of software-powered enterprises across the world, is launching the latest release of CodeMeter, its flagship technology, for embedded systems at Embedded World. Visitors to its exhibit in hall 4, booth 320, will have the opportunity to learn about the latest features and see the newest hardware secure elements that the company is introducing to support a wide variety of operating environments and requirements.

CodeMeter Embedded is a static library that provides the licensing and cryptographic capabilities of CodeMeter via a dedicated API for embedded operating systems like Android, Linux Embedded, QNX, VxWorks, and Windows. Depending on the architecture of the target system, be it x86, ARM, MIPS or PowerPC, users will receive a dedicated library with an extremely compact footprint ranging from 400 to 600 KB, which will allow them to protect their embedded software with the sturdiest encryption mechanisms and monetize their know-how with license-based business models.

Even though the Internet of Things is all about connectivity, the number of offline devices is still considerable. Beginning with release 2.40, which just saw the light, CodeMeter Embedded offers two alternative options for transferring licenses offline. In addition to the established use of Update Files, CodeMeter Embedded now comes with License Transfer, a feature that makes it possible to move licenses offline from a CmDongle (a hardware secure element in the form of a USB dongle, a secure memory card, or an ASIC) to an embedded device. The distinction between both options lies in the exact timing of the license’s binding to the embedded device.

When using the Update File mode, the embedded device is selected as soon as the license is placed into the update file in CodeMeter License Central, the database-driven license and entitlement management solution that automates the process of creating, delivering, and managing software licenses. Embedded devices already recorded during production can be selected directly by their serial numbers. The update file is then transferred to a memory stick, which is connected to the embedded device for its software to import the license.

When using License Transfer, a freely selectable number of licenses can be placed on a CmDongle. No embedded device is pre-selected for these licenses. Service technicians can then connect their laptops (with CmDongles and CodeMeter Runtime installed) to embedded devices in the field, where the embedded software can import the license from the dongle. The licenses are only bound to the embedded device at this point, and the embedded device will not be known to CodeMeter License Central.

The use of an update file supports the full flexibility of CodeMeter: Licenses can be assigned, changed, and returned. CodeMeter License Central keeps a detailed log of the licenses and includes automated actions like recovering all licenses on an embedded device. The new License Transfer feature facilitates the delivery of new licenses, making it an ideal choice for any instances when the target device has not yet been chosen and CodeMeter License Central is originally used.

On top of extending the capabilities of CodeMeter Embedded, Wibu-Systems has also expanded its range of CmDongles. Currently, users can choose from 18 different form factors that are sure to meet all possible demands in the market. Selection criteria include not just different sizes of devices (compact or standard) and casing materials (plastic or metal) with all of the different customization alternatives that they entail, but also a collection of connecting interface types (USB, SD, microSD, CFast, SPI), USB connector mounting types (SiP or standard), USB protocols implemented (2.0 or 3.1), nand flash memory classes (MLC or pSLC), different temperature ranges in the operating environment, as well as the choice to make the units removable or permanently fixed.