Onsign Enables Digital Signatures

The transition of signatures to its digital form has not been easy so far. Every new signature technology has had its glitches. In Cyber space, an encrypted key has been used to "digitally sign" e-mail. This has its flaws as the key only authenticates that the e-mail came from you.

A few people scanned their ink signature and embedded it. This approach too can be compromised. The document can be changed and the signature will remain intact even if the source changes. The scope of any deceitful activity is enormous here. Most digital signature devices can be manipulated in a similar manner.

There has, however been some progress in this regard with the recent release of OnSign Technologies's software (currently in free Beta). The software creates a signature that disables itself if you alter the source document in any way. It is available in two versions: one for Word 97/2000 (1.6 MB, Windows 9x/NT/2000, free), the other for Outlook 98/2000 (1.5 MB, Windows 9x/NT/2000, free).

As yet, there is no software available for Excel, PowerPoint or Access files. For these, the best way is to set up a 2-level password; one for read (public) and a personal one for editing (private).

Setting up
Installing and registering OnSign is quite easy. Double-click the installer to run the setup. To register, it helps if you're connected to the Internet. The programme also supports an offline mode using email. The form requires your name, email ID, State or province, country and whether you're a home or business user.

There is a Wizard to help install your signature. By default the software lets you import a faxed signature, a scanned .BMP image or sign using the mouse or joystick. Conventional pointing devices, however don't allow the fine movement of an ink pen or (if you afford it) a digital tablet. Also available for registering your signature are CE pointing device, Palm Computing, Wintab generic and Penware or Topaz tablets.

You need to name your signature; a big help if you have multiple personalities. You also have to enter a password; once to register and a second time to validate it. The signature files have a .CPS extension and are usually stored in the application folder.

Endorsing
Adding your signature to a file or email is easy. OnSign appears as a separate toolbar button. Click this to be prompted for the signature to embed. Which, once you select, needs to be opened using your saved password. The signature also includes a hyperlink to download the OnSign viewer, required to view a signature if you don't have the software installed.

This "smart signature" visually displays its state. When previewed, the signature is overlayed by a "?" mark. If the document has not been modified, the signature appears as a graphic. The signature image is overlayed by a red invalid mark if any modifications are made to the original. The software's behaviour differs. In Outlook, until you send it, any number of alterations are allowed. In Word, you might get an invalid message if you made a change to a saved document. This could occur if the file has version tracking enabled and you are not the author. The software is still publicly in Beta and therefore contains some flaws.

These flaws notwithstanding, OnSign is an excellent plug-in and is worth a try. You can download copies of each version at the OnSign site (http://www.onsign.com).