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SmartSign, CardManager or SimplySign Desktop? Choose the right Certum signature and card tool

One tool signs, another manages the card, and a third "pretends" to be the card for the mobile certificate. We explain the differences, give examples of use and recommend configurations for office, accounting and administration.
SmartSign, CardManager or SimplySign Desktop? Choose the right Certum signature and card tool

What is proCertum SmartSign?

proCertum SmartSign is a simple application for applying and verifying qualified signatures. It allows you to sign documents, verify other people's signatures, add a timestamp and manage packages of signature files. It "signature tool", not for card management - that's what another program is for (about that in a moment).

In what environment does he work?

Current system requirements include:

  • Windows 10/11 (x86-64)
  • Linux (x86-64; including Debian/Ubuntu/Mint/CentOS/Fedora in Cinnamon/MATE/KDE desktop environments)
  • macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon; Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia)

Internet access (e.g., for verification and timestamps) is recommended for the application.

What applications does it work with?

SmartSign is part of the Certum ecosystem - although it also works independently (as a desktop "signer"): 

  • SimplySign Desktop - emulates a "virtual crypto card" on your computer - so applications think the signature is coming from a reader, even though you're actually using a SimplySign mobile certificate, and you can use the mobile SimplySign signature in programs that require a card/reader. W duo with SmartSign, it allows you to sign and verify documents without a physical card.
  • Certum cards (e.g. Certum Mini) and readers - SmartSign uses qualified certificates stored on a cryptographic card or accessible via a "virtual card" (SimplySign Desktop).
  • External programs - SmartSign is additionally used as a signing component in e-declaration tools in addition to simple signing. In practice, it interacts with applications that can call the system's signature/card linking mechanism.

Formats and features you get "out of the box":

  • PAdES, XAdES, CAdES - signatures for PDF and "beyond PDF" data (e.g., archives, XML).
  • Verification signatures and certificates and the ability to add reason for the signature (e.g., "for conformity with the original").

And what is proCertum CardManager?

This tool for crypto card management (cryptoCertum):

  • setting/changing PINs, 
  • PUK unlocking, 
  • organizing certificate profiles on the card, 
  • deleting or viewing certificate information. 

CardManager is not used for for signing documents - that's what SmartSign is for.

And what is SimplySign Desktop?

SimplySign Desktop is a "virtual crypto card" installed on your computer. 

  • Connects your SimplySign mobile service (cloud-based certificate, phone-based authorization) with programs that typically require a physical card and reader.
  • Sam SimplySign Desktop does not sign documents; it only provides secure access to the key in the cloud, so you can use the proCertum SmartSign or other "card" programs (e.g., e-declarations, e-payer, accounting applications) without inserting the card into the reader.

SmartSign vs CardManager vs SimplySign Desktop - differences in a nutshell

Area

proCertum SmartSign

proCertum CardManager

SimplySign Desktop

Target

Signing and verification of documents (PAdES/XAdES/CAdES), adding time stamps.

Card and certificate administration: change PIN, unlock PUK, view/delete certificates, profiles on the card.

"Virtual card" - a bridge that connects SimplySign's mobile certificate to applications that require a card/reader; by itself does not sign documents.

When do you use?

When you want to sign a PDF or a bundle of files, verify someone else's signature, add a time stamp.

When you need to change the PIN, unlock the card, organize the certificates on the physical card.

When you want to use mobile SimplySign in "card" programs (e.g., e-declarations, e-payer, accounting applications) or as a key source in SmartSign

Cloud/mobile collaboration

It can work with SimplySign Desktop - you use the SimplySign mobile certificate as if there was a card in your computer.

Applies only to the physical card/key; not for signing.

Requires an active service SimplySign on the phone; presents the system with a card-like interface (PKCS#11/mini-driver) so that applications can "see" the certificate.

Operating systems

Windows, Linux, macOS (according to the current publisher's documentation).

Windows, Linux, macOS (according to the current publisher's documentation).

Mostly Windows and macOS (according to manufacturer's documentation; support for other systems - if made available)

 

 

How do these products interact in practice?

To Signing → you install proCertum SmartSign.

  • When you have mobile SimplySign (without a physical card): you add SimplySign Desktop.
  • When you use card (e.g. Certum Mini): you use the following for PIN/PUK administration CardManager, and for signing - SmartSign.

If you still have doubts, please write to us or call us. We will be happy to help.

Call us at

+48 22 417 05 55

and we will put you in touch with one of our representatives available virtually nationwide.

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