Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and security, has released CodeMeter 9.00 and CodeMeter Protection Suite 11.80. Together, the new versions mark an important step in the evolution of the CodeMeter ecosystem: CodeMeter Runtime is entering a new architectural generation, while CodeMeter Protection Suite continues to expand the options available to software publishers for protecting intellectual property, enforcing licensing models, and securing valuable application logic against reverse engineering and manipulation.

Building the Runtime Foundation for Future Cryptography

With CodeMeter 9.00, Wibu-Systems is initiating the step-by-step transformation toward a universal runtime environment that will support both today’s CmDongles and a new generation of CmDongles built for Post-Quantum Cryptography. This development is not a disruptive break, but a carefully managed transition. The compatibility promise for the CodeMeter API remains fully in place: Software that has been directly integrated with the API or protected with CodeMeter Protection Suite does not require any adjustments.

The release strengthens the cryptographic foundation across Wibu-Systems’ license container portfolio. Universal Data, a flexible storage area for cryptographic keys, algorithm-specific data, and vendor-defined information inside CodeMeter license containers, now extends beyond hardware-based CmDongles to software-based CmActLicenses and cloud-based CmCloudContainers. This gives software vendors a more consistent way to use advanced cryptographic data across hardware, software, and cloud licensing models, including longer asymmetric keys and future-oriented post-quantum scenarios.

For software publishers, this extends a principle that has shaped CodeMeter from the start: interoperability across license container types. Vendors can combine hardware-secured licensing with CmDongles, software-bound licensing with CmActLicenses, and identity- or cloud-based licensing with CmCloudContainers within one consistent ecosystem. By making Universal Data available across these container types, CodeMeter 9.00 brings advanced cryptographic data handling into closer alignment with this unified licensing architecture.

CodeMeter 9.00 also introduces CmLogger, a new logging service and the first step toward centralized logging across current and future CodeMeter Runtime components. Logging is now enabled by default, with automatic log rotation and more precise timestamping. For vendors and administrators, this means better transparency in support cases, easier diagnostics across distributed environments, and a more modern operational foundation for license management.

Another new option, UserDefinedShare, gives software vendors more flexibility in how licenses are shared and consumed. Vendors can define their own criteria for license sharing, for example based on an external device identifier, a serial number, or a tenant ID in multitenant software environments. This makes it possible to align license consumption more closely with the vendor’s business model and the customer’s actual usage scenario.

Beyond these new capabilities, CodeMeter 9.00 modernizes several operational foundations of CodeMeter Runtime, including internal communication, service handling, logging, and platform-specific administration. These changes are designed to make the runtime environment more robust, transparent, and easier to maintain in modern deployment scenarios.

Expanding Automated Protection and Secure Execution

CodeMeter Protection Suite 11.80 complements the runtime release with major enhancements in software protection. The new version extends Wibu-Systems’ Native Core (NC) technology for stronger, more granular protection of compiled applications, allowing software vendors to protect valuable functions and binaries closer to their native structure. This increases the effort required for reverse engineering, tampering, and unauthorized analysis.

A key innovation is automatic CodeMoving for AxProtector .NET NC. During the analysis of a .NET assembly, suitable functions are identified, evaluated using a Complexity Score, and proposed as candidates for secure execution in a CmDongle or CmCloudContainer. This makes it easier for software vendors to move selected security-critical code into a protected execution environment without having to manually identify every suitable function from scratch.

With AxProtector Windows NC, CodeMeter Protection Suite now also brings NC technology to native Windows binary files, including executables and DLLs on Intel and ARM platforms. This significantly broadens the scope of NC-based protection and makes advanced binary protection available to a wider range of Windows applications, while the expanded AxProtector graphical user interface helps vendors configure these protection scenarios more consistently across platforms.

“CodeMeter 9.00 is more than a version update; it is the beginning of a carefully managed architectural transition,” said Wolfgang Voelker, Principal Product Manager at Wibu-Systems. “The goal is to prepare the CodeMeter ecosystem for future platform and cryptographic requirements while protecting the investments that software vendors have already made in CodeMeter. At the same time, CodeMeter Protection Suite 11.80 gives developers more powerful and more automated ways to protect their applications against piracy, reverse engineering, and manipulation.”

Together, CodeMeter 9.00 and CodeMeter Protection Suite 11.80 reinforce the central value proposition of the CodeMeter ecosystem: durable software protection, flexible licensing, operational transparency, and long-term technology readiness. Software vendors can continue to build on their existing CodeMeter integrations while preparing for future requirements in cryptography, platform diversity, secure execution, and software monetization.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and security, has announced the agenda for INNO DAYS 2026, its annual signature event taking place on 15-16 July 2026 at the company’s headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany. Under the motto “Where Security Powers Digital Business,” the two-day forum will bring together leading voices from industry, government, technology, and business development to examine the realities shaping industrial software and cybersecurity.

As industrial systems become more software-defined, connected, regulated, and exposed, companies are facing several transformations at once. AI is changing how products are engineered and operated. The Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 are turning cybersecurity into a lifecycle responsibility. Open source, supply chain dependencies, secure communication, vulnerability response, licensing, and business model innovation are increasingly part of the same strategic conversation.

INNO DAYS 2026 is designed to bring these topics together in one focused setting. Rather than serving as a product roadshow, the event creates a forum for decision-makers, technology leaders, researchers, and industrial software professionals to examine current realities, challenge assumptions, and exchange perspectives that support better-informed business and technology decisions.

“Industrial conglomerates and software-powered companies are no longer dealing with isolated challenges. AI, regulation, software-defined products, supply chain exposure, and new digital business models are converging,” said Oliver Winzenried, CEO and Founder of Wibu-Systems. “With INNO DAYS, we want to bring the right people into the same room: experts who understand these developments from different perspectives and participants who need to turn insight into action. The real value lies not only in the presentations, but in the conversations that continue between them.”

From AI to cyber resilience

The agenda follows the transformation of the software lifecycle from multiple angles. Sessions from Siemens Digital Logistics and TRUMPF will address industrial AI, from agentic AI and digital manufacturing to trusted decision-making in smart factories. Contributions from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Offenburg University of Applied Sciences will focus on the architectures needed to protect connected systems, including confidential computing, secure communication, IIoT, embedded systems, and hardware-based trust.

Cyber resilience and regulation form another central thread. VDMA, OSADL, and the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) will contribute perspectives on Cyber Resilience Act readiness, open source responsibilities, vulnerability management across supply chains, and scalable cybersecurity concepts such as the German Cyberdome.

This focus is reinforced by ENFORCERS – Enhanced Cooperation for Cybersecurity, a project coordinated by Wibu-Systems, co-funded by the European Union, and supported by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. ENFORCERS brings together project partners to link incident monitoring, cross-organizational collaboration, and trusted software update mechanisms across OT environments. As both host of INNO DAYS and coordinator of the ENFORCERS project, Wibu-Systems is creating a practical setting for connecting the project’s objectives with the industrial cybersecurity challenges being discussed at the event. The presence of ENFORCERS consortium members such as Schneider Electric and VDMA further strengthens this bridge between project work and real-world industry exchange.

These themes will come together in the roundtable “Beyond the Breach: Responding to Digital Vulnerabilities with Agility,” moderated by Steve Atkins, Publisher & Editor of The Quantum Space, with panelists from BSI, VDMA, Schneider Electric, and Wibu-Systems. The discussion will examine how secure-by-design development, continuous monitoring, coordinated incident response, enforceable control mechanisms, regulation, and shared responsibility can improve resilience across industrial ecosystems.

The roundtable also serves as a dissemination opportunity for the ENFORCERS project and will be open to both in-person attendees in Karlsruhe and remote participants via YouTube, making it the only INNO DAYS 2026 session available online.

Protection, licensing, and business transformation

As software becomes a central value driver in industrial products, protection and licensing are evolving from technical safeguards into strategic control layers for secure digital business. Sessions from Wibu-Systems and CODESYS will address Licensing-as-a-Service, automated application protection, compliance-driven lifecycle control, and the protection and monetization of industrial control software.

The showcase area will also feature INFORMATICS, a long-standing Wibu-Systems solution partner with deep expertise in integrating CodeMeter License Central into SAP environments, offering visitors an enterprise integration perspective on connecting licensing processes with complex business infrastructures.

INNO DAYS 2026 will also address the commercial side of digital transformation. StAl Consult will contribute insights into how AI, automation, changing customer expectations, and digital channels are reshaping sales and business relationships.

Alongside the formal agenda, attendees will have opportunities for direct discussions with speakers, partners, and Wibu-Systems experts during networking breaks, the showcase area, lunch, one-to-one meetings, and an exclusive networking dinner. The event will be conducted entirely in English and is open to registered participants using corporate or institutional email addresses.

INNO DAYS 2026 will take place at WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, Zimmerstrasse 5, Karlsruhe, Germany, on 15-16 July 2026. Registration is now open.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and security, will showcase its latest solutions at Automate 2026, Chicago, IL, June 22-25, Booth #1180. The company will demonstrate how its CodeMeter suite helps OEMs and automation vendors secure intellectual property and comply with emerging cybersecurity regulations, including the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which is quickly influencing global security standards.

Navigating the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and Its Impact on North American Automation

The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requires manufacturers to meet strict cybersecurity standards for products with digital elements sold in the EU market. As such, North American manufacturers that export products to the EU must comply with these requirements. Wibu-Systems’ President and CEO, Marcellus Buchheit, will lead a technical session on June 22, 2026, discussing the CRA’s cybersecurity challenges and its relevance to U.S. companies. The CRA mandates continuous security throughout the product lifecycle, and Buchheit will cover how manufacturers can implement secure design practices, vulnerability management, and lifecycle controls to meet these global requirements.

“As automation continues to evolve with AI, robotics, and industrial systems, securing intellectual property and ensuring compliance with emerging cybersecurity standards has become a critical challenge, particularly for North American manufacturers who sell to the EU," said Marcellus Buchheit, President and CEO, Wibu-Systems USA. "At Automate 2026, we’re showing how our solutions can help North American companies address these challenges, protect their software, firmware, and intellectual property, and support flexible licensing models such as subscription and usage based approaches. Whether companies are developing software for robotics and automation, deploying machine vision systems, or managing industrial automation solutions, securing intellectual property and ensuring global compliance is essential for success."

Showcasing Key Capabilities at Booth #1180

Wibu-Systems will showcase how CodeMeter supports subscription models, license transfers, and lifecycle control in offline and safety-critical environments like robotics and machine vision.

Key highlights will include:

• Subscription Enforcement in Offline Environments: Ensuring operational continuity in disconnected environments.
• Secure License Transfer: Enhancing flexibility in business models and product deployment.
• Lifecycle Control for Long-Lived Assets: Managing the full product lifecycle securely and efficiently.

Additionally, CodeMeter Embedded will demonstrate how it secures firmware IP in embedded systems, preventing reverse engineering and cloning. This includes applications in microcontrollers and industrial devices where security and flexibility are paramount.

Innovating with Licensing-as-a-Service

Wibu-Systems will also showcase CodeMeter Licensing-as-a-Service (CmLaaS), a scalable solution for quickly implementing software licensing. CmLaaS enables vendors to easily deploy usage-based, subscription, and trial licenses, allowing for rapid product delivery and monetization flexibility.

Proven Success with Industry Leaders

Leading companies in automation and machine vision already trust CodeMeter for both protection and licensing. For example, MVTec Software, a pioneer in machine vision, uses CodeMeter to integrate secure licensing into their products, helping them protect intellectual property while offering flexible business models. Similarly, Desoutter Industrial Tools leverages CodeMeter to provide tailored software solutions for their customers, enhancing product flexibility while maintaining robust protection against piracy.

Future-Proofing Automation Systems

As AI, robotics, and automation continue to reshape industries, Wibu-Systems remains committed to helping OEMs and vendors stay ahead with scalable, unified solutions for cybersecurity, licensing, and monetization. Visit Booth #1180 at Automate 2026 to learn how CodeMeter can help future-proof your automation systems and ensure compliance with emerging regulatory requirements.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and cybersecurity, announces its integration with instellix, a next-generation monetization platform designed for subscription, usage-based, hybrid, and marketplace-driven business models.

The joint solution transforms software licensing from a supporting function into an operational backbone, where entitlement management, usage tracking, and financial processes operate as one continuous system. By combining CodeMeter’s secure licensing and protection technologies with instellix’s advanced monetization capabilities, software vendors can automate the entire lifecycle from contract to revenue.

“Software monetization is undergoing a structural shift. Licensing is no longer a back-office function: it is becoming part of the operational infrastructure of digital business,” said Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management at WIBU-SYSTEMS AG. “With instellix, we extend CodeMeter beyond protection and licensing into a fully integrated monetization environment.”

From Entitlement to Revenue: One Continuous Process

The integration is enabled through standardized APIs that connect instellix with CodeMeter, linking commercial transactions directly to technical enforcement.

When a customer purchases a license, instellix automatically triggers CodeMeter to generate the corresponding entitlement. The license is delivered instantly, enabling immediate use without manual intervention.

At the same time, CodeMeter captures detailed usage data directly at the application level. This data is transferred to instellix, where it is processed into billing events, enabling precise usage-based invoicing and transparent customer reporting.

The result is a closed-loop system where every transaction, entitlement, and usage event is consistently aligned across technical and financial domains.

“Growth stalls when licensing and billing operate in silos. At instellix, we've eliminated that gap and with Wibu-Systems as our partner, companies can now scale usage-based and hybrid models globally, with full confidence that every license event translates directly into revenue. Together, we give them something they've never had before: a single, automated path from license to revenue, across any business model, any market, any scale, stated Juergen Schmiezek, CGO & Managing Director, instellix.”

Built for Modern Monetization Models

The combined solution supports the increasing complexity of software-driven business models across industries such as automotive, e-mobility, software & technology, and manufacturing. It enables subscription, usage-based, hybrid, and marketplace-driven licensing strategies, combining automated license provisioning with real-time usage tracking and integrated billing.

Designed for global operations, the architecture scales across currencies, tax regimes, and compliance requirements. This allows software vendors to introduce new pricing models without reengineering their existing systems, while maintaining full control over security, licensing, and revenue flows.

Strategic Impact for Software Vendors

As software becomes the core of industrial value creation, monetization must evolve beyond static licensing models.

The integration of CodeMeter and instellix enables companies to align product usage, contractual logic, and revenue realization in real time. This reduces operational complexity, eliminates reconciliation gaps, and creates a foundation for scalable, data-driven business models.

Software vendors can respond faster to market demands, experiment with new offerings, and expand globally, while ensuring that every licensed feature, every usage event, and every invoice follows a consistent, secure, and automated process.

instellix – Future-First Monetization Without Limits
instellix is an API-first monetization platform built for the complexity that legacy billing systems cannot handle: usage-based pricing, multi-party settlements, dynamic tariffs, and automated global compliance across 80+ markets. Its multidimensional rating engine supports any business model – subscription, usage-based, hybrid, or marketplace – and scales from start-up to billions of transactions without reengineering. Tier-1 automotive leaders, SaaS scale-ups, and industrial IoT pioneers rely on instellix as the flexible layer between their existing systems and revenue.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and cybersecurity, will exhibit for the first time at CyberSec India Expo 2026, taking place on April 23–24 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. At the German Pavilion, booth G3, the company will present its CodeMeter technology as a practical foundation for securing digital business models and enabling compliant software monetization in India’s rapidly evolving industrial and technological landscape.

As India accelerates its adoption of AI, cloud, and connected industrial systems, cybersecurity is shifting from perimeter protection to software-embedded enforcement. CodeMeter reflects this transition by integrating IP protection, licensing, and security directly into applications, devices, and digital services. This enables companies to protect intellectual property, enforce usage rights, and scale business models consistently across distributed environments, from cloud infrastructures to segmented or offline production networks typical of industrial automation.

For Indian OEMs, ISVs, and manufacturers, this approach supports a new phase of productization. Locally developed software and digital IP can be protected against reverse engineering and tampering while being commercialized through flexible licensing models such as feature-based offerings, subscriptions, and usage-based access. At the same time, consistent enforcement across multi-site deployments strengthens operational resilience in OT and IACS environments, where uptime and integrity are critical.

A highlight of the event will be the participation of Dr. Ashok-Kumar Chandra-Sekaran, Country Director India, who will join the panel “Building Cybersecurity for India’s Expanding Smart Cities & IoT Ecosystem” on April 24 to bring Wibu-Systems’ software-centric perspective to securing large-scale, interconnected digital infrastructures.

“India has reached a level of industrial maturity where software is no longer an add-on, but a core driver of value creation across manufacturing, automation, and digital infrastructure. In this environment, cybersecurity must be embedded directly into the software design stage itself, not added later. At the same time, Indian companies are increasingly developing their own intellectual property and scaling it globally. Protecting and monetizing that IP in a controlled and compliant way is becoming a decisive factor for sustainable growth,” says Dr. Chandra-Sekaran.

The company’s presence at CyberSec India Expo also marks a strategic step toward establishing Wibu-Systems India Pvt. Ltd., with the formal setup currently underway. This move reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to India and expands its Asian presence alongside its established subsidiaries in China, Japan, and South Korea. By strengthening its regional footprint, Wibu-Systems aims to work more closely with local partners and customers, combining global expertise with local engagement to support secure and sustainable software-driven business models.

Visitors to the German Pavilion are invited to meet the local team and explore how CodeMeter can support their cybersecurity, software protection, and monetization strategies in India’s next phase of digital growth.

WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and cybersecurity for digital assets, has appointed Prof. Dr. Joern Mueller-Quade to its Supervisory Board, further strengthening the company’s strategic oversight in the fields of cryptography, secure computing, and long-term digital resilience. The decision reflects a collaboration that has matured over several years and is rooted in a shared commitment to security architectures that are both scientifically rigorous and operationally viable.

Prof. Dr. Mueller-Quade is internationally recognized for his work in cryptography and IT security. His research spans secure cloud computing, secure multi-party computation, formal security definitions and models, and hardware-based trust anchors – disciplines that are increasingly central to protecting software-defined systems, intellectual property, and digital infrastructures in regulated and adversarial environments.

Since 2008, Prof. Dr. Mueller-Quade has held leading academic positions in IT security at what is now the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He is responsible for Cryptography and IT Security at KASTEL, the Institute of Information Security and Dependability, one of Germany’s leading interdisciplinary security research institutes. At KASTEL, his work focuses on long-term security, cryptographic foundations, and the dependable design of complex digital systems, bridging formal security models with applied, system-level protection concepts that are directly relevant to industrial and critical-infrastructure environments.

The professional relationship between Wibu-Systems and Prof. Dr. Mueller-Quade dates back many years and includes close collaboration on software protection concepts, hardware-supported security models, and forward-looking security strategies. He was involved early in the scientific evaluation of Wibu-Systems’ patented Blurry Box technology, which won the first prize at the German IT Security Awards in 2014, participated in expert discussions on quantum computing and digital sovereignty, and joined the INNO DAYS 2025 roundtable on building secure and independent IT infrastructures.

“Security that endures cannot be improvised. It requires sound models, resilient architectures, and a deep understanding of how theory translates into systems that withstand real-world attacks,” said Oliver Winzenried, CEO and founder of Wibu-Systems. “Our long-standing collaboration with Prof. Dr. Mueller-Quade has consistently reinforced this conviction. His appointment to the Supervisory Board is a logical step and a strong signal of our commitment to research-backed, long-term security, especially as cryptography, software protection, and licensing face profound change driven by quantum computing and regulation.”

From Prof. Dr. Mueller-Quade’s perspective, the appointment reflects a rare alignment between academic research and industrial execution:

“Wibu-Systems has always distinguished itself by rejecting security through obscurity in favor of transparent, well-founded protection concepts,” said Prof. Dr. Joern Mueller-Quade. “The company translates cryptographic principles, hardware trust anchors, and licensing mechanisms into deployable technologies with measurable security value. I look forward to contributing my experience to the strategic development of these approaches as digital systems grow more complex and more exposed.”

With Prof. Dr. Mueller-Quade joining the Supervisory Board, Wibu-Systems reinforces its focus on secure-by-design architectures, cryptographic agility, and long-term protection of digital assets, from embedded and industrial software to cloud-based and hybrid deployment models. His expertise will support the company in navigating emerging challenges such as post-quantum security, sovereign IT infrastructures, and evolving regulatory requirements.

The European research and innovation project ENFORCERS (Enhanced Cooperation for Cybersecurity) has officially started, bringing together a strong consortium of industrial manufacturers and cybersecurity technology providers, supported by applied research organizations to address one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: ensuring resilient, trustworthy software throughout the lifecycle of industrial automation systems.

The project’s official kickoff took place on 10–11 February 2026 at WIBU-SYSTEMS AG in Karlsruhe, Germany, where consortium partners met in person for the first time to align on the strategic roadmap for the coming three years. The meeting marked the operational starting point of ENFORCERS and set the stage for close cross-border collaboration enabled by EU funding.

From incident detection to secure recovery: closing the cybersecurity loop

ENFORCERS is designed to go beyond isolated security measures. Its central objective is to close the loop between cybersecurity incident detection, coordinated response, certification, and secure software redistribution in industrial environments. This is particularly relevant for automation and manufacturing, where software must often be updated across segmented, partially disconnected, or heterogeneous Operational Technology (OT) networks.

At the heart of the project is a Cybersecurity System Platform that links multiple trusted instances into a securely chained “system circle.” This includes:

• Private Security Operation Centers (SOCs) that collect, correlate, and classify incident and vulnerability data,
• Secure Elements that act as trust anchors at OT edges and gateways,
• Automated playbooks for vulnerability mitigation, certification, and secure software updates,
• and cross-border data exchange mechanisms that allow SOCs and stakeholders to cooperate while respecting data sovereignty.

The technical approach directly supports compliance with NIS2 and anticipates requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act, while remaining adaptable to future regulatory and technological developments.

“ENFORCERS brings together technologies, processes, and stakeholders into an operational cybersecurity framework,” explained Alvaro Forero, Project Coordinator at WIBU-SYSTEMS AG. “As coordinator, our responsibility is to ensure that we are building a cooperative system where incident handling, trust anchors, and secure software deployment work together across organizational and national boundaries. The kickoff meeting confirmed a shared understanding that cybersecurity resilience must be engineered into the full lifecycle of industrial software.”

Clearly defined roles across a strong European consortium

ENFORCERS brings together partners with complementary expertise across Europe. As project coordinator, Wibu-Systems contributes its long-standing expertise in software protection, licensing, and secure update mechanisms for industrial environments, while ensuring technical coherence and cross-partner integration across the project. Industrial companies such as Balluff (Germany and Hungary), Schneider Electric (France), TTTECH Computertechnik (Austria), and Technology Nexus Secured Business Solutions (Sweden) contribute real-world requirements from automation, manufacturing, and industrial networking. Technology and cybersecurity specialists including Infineon Technologies (Germany), Langlauf Security Automation (Germany), DYNAMIKI (Greece), AITAD (Germany), and ResilTech (Italy) provide expertise ranging from AI and embedded systems to secure elements and cryptography to SOC operations and incident response. Applied research is supported by subcontractors such as Fraunhofer SIT, while VDMA contributes its industrial network and policy interface.

From a partner perspective, the project is also seen as a commitment to European cooperation.

“At ResilTech, we look forward to contributing with full commitment and to working alongside such high-level partners to strengthen Europe’s industrial cybersecurity,” said Francesco Brancati, Security Solution Manager and R&D Program Manager at ResilTech Srl, underlining the importance of cross-border collaboration as a prerequisite for resilient industrial systems.

The project effectively integrates three essential layers of work, ranging from structural activities such as system requirements and architecture design, through practical implementation efforts including SOC integration, digital elements, and secure connectors, to quality-oriented tasks focused on dissemination, standards compliance monitoring and training.

Early milestones include the definition of legal and technical requirements, the design of the Cybersec System architecture, and the setup of initial SOC and platform components, followed by demonstrators and validation in later phases.

Industrial partners see ENFORCERS as a strategic investment in long-term resilience.

As Dr. Markus Jung, VP Engineering at Balluff GmbH emphasized during the project launch, “ENFORCERS is a great opportunity for Balluff to build a strong network with leading partners in the cybersecurity domain. The project will support us in further strengthening our cybersecurity measures and enhancing best practices across our industrial automation products, processes, and manufacturing sites. The strong consortium enables us to anticipate emerging trends in the coming years, well beyond the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act, and ultimately helps us empower our customers to increase their own cybersecurity.”

Over the next three years, ENFORCERS will deliver technical demonstrators, best practices, training activities, and contributions to standardization and certification discussions. By combining industrial deployment experience with cybersecurity expertise, the project aims to create results that are replicable across sectors and that strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty in industrial software and automation.

Co-funded by the European Union, under the Grant Agreement No. 101249745, the project is supported by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. Neither the European Union nor the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre can be held responsible for them.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection and licensing, will present a strategic expansion of its CodeMeter portfolio at Hannover Messe 2026. With the commercial availability of CodeMeter Licensing-as-a-Service (CmLaaS), the company introduces a new, simplified path into professional license management designed for software vendors who need to move fast today without limiting their options tomorrow.

Hannover Messe remains the world’s leading industrial platform where software-driven innovation meets operational reality. At Booth C75 in Hall 26, Wibu-Systems will demonstrate how CmLaaS complements its established licensing and protection technologies, enabling companies to align time-to-market pressure, business model flexibility, and long-term security within a single, coherent framework.

Lowering the Entry Barrier Without Lowering the Standard

Software monetization has become a strategic discipline. Subscription models, feature-based offerings, and hybrid deployments are now expected across industries, yet many software vendors still face a fundamental dilemma: professional licensing systems promise flexibility and control, but often require upfront effort, specialized know-how, and long implementation cycles.

CmLaaS directly addresses this gap. It provides preconfigured, industry-proven licensing models that can be activated quickly and adapted as business requirements evolve. Vendors can start with commonly used models, such as perpetual, subscription, floating, or trial licenses, and refine them over time, without rebuilding their licensing infrastructure from scratch.

At the same time, CmLaaS is not a detached lightweight solution. It is fully embedded in the CodeMeter ecosystem, using the same backend processes, security concepts, and license container technologies that Wibu-Systems’ enterprise customers have relied on for years. This ensures that a fast start does not come at the cost of architectural consistency or future scalability.

One Portfolio, Multiple Paths

With CmLaaS, Wibu-Systems deliberately broadens the CodeMeter portfolio to reflect the realities of today’s software markets. Some vendors require maximum customization from day one; others prioritize speed and simplicity. Many start small and scale rapidly.

The expanded portfolio supports all these paths. Vendors can choose a move-in-ready licensing setup via CmLaaS or design fully customized models using CodeMeter License Central and CodeMeter License Portal, on-premises or hosted. Both approaches are interoperable and aligned, allowing companies to transition seamlessly as their products, customer base, or regional footprint grows.

This strategic flexibility is particularly relevant in globally distributed markets, where infrastructure maturity, purchasing behavior, and deployment constraints vary widely. Rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach, Wibu-Systems enables vendors to adapt their licensing strategy to different market conditions while maintaining a unified technological backbone.

Protection Remains a Cornerstone

Licensing is only one side of sustainable software monetization. Protecting intellectual property against reverse engineering, tampering, and unauthorized use remains essential, especially as software is increasingly deployed across heterogeneous environments.

Wibu-Systems therefore positions AxProtector as the natural complement to CmLaaS. The AxProtector product line continues to provide robust application protection for native and managed code, supporting a wide range of platforms and programming languages. Recently enhanced with a modernized user interface and further automation, AxProtector lowers adoption barriers while preserving the depth and strength of its protection mechanisms.

By combining CmLaaS with AxProtector, software vendors can address monetization and protection as two coordinated aspects of a single strategy, rather than as isolated technical tasks.

“Licensing-as-a-Service is about making it as easy as possible for software vendors to enter the world of protection and monetization,” says Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management at Wibu-Systems. “It provides a clear path for expanding, differentiating, and optimizing business models over time, while still addressing the pressure to deliver quickly. CmLaaS lowers the entry barrier without compromising the strategic flexibility that makes CodeMeter a long-term platform.”

Hannover Messe 2026: From Strategy to Practice

At Hannover Messe 2026, Wibu-Systems will demonstrate how this expanded portfolio translates into real-world workflows, from initial license setup to secure deployment, renewal, and evolution over time. Visitors to Booth C75 will gain insight into how CmLaaS and AxProtector work together within the CodeMeter ecosystem to support sustainable software businesses across industries.

By positioning CmLaaS as a strategic portfolio expansion rather than a standalone shortcut, Wibu-Systems reinforces its long-standing commitment: enabling software-driven innovation to scale securely, profitably, and globally.

Wibu-Systems, a global provider of software protection, licensing, and security solutions, will exhibit at Embedded World 2026 to present a unified approach to securing embedded innovation across device classes, application environments, and future cryptographic requirements. As part of the OSADL collective space, the company will demonstrate how protection and licensing strategies can scale from microcontrollers and bare-metal systems to native applications running on industrial platforms.

Embedded systems are increasingly defined by distributed intelligence and long product lifecycles, often operating under strict resource constraints. At Embedded World 2026, Wibu-Systems will highlight its methodology for secure licensing for small devices using CodeMeter Embedded, CmASIC, and a lightweight microcontroller-focused library. Combined with an optimized license format and flexible activation workflows, this setup enables robust security with minimal impact on CPU, memory, and storage, while remaining compatible with existing licensing infrastructures such as CodeMeter License Central.

At Embedded World 2026, Wibu-Systems will also present a live, mobile CodeMeter Embedded demonstrator that brings secure licensing directly into a realistic shopfloor environment. The demonstrator shows how microcontrollers without direct Internet connectivity and without their own TLS stack can securely consume licenses from local dongles or cloud-backed containers via an edge-based LAN server. License activation and revocation are managed live through CodeMeter License Portal, with immediate effects visible on the connected devices, making normally invisible licensing processes transparent and tangible in a production context.

In addition, Wibu-Systems will demonstrate AxProtector 11.80, enabling software protection and licensing without requiring a runtime installation on the target system. This approach already supports Python, .NET, and JavaScript applications and is now extended to native applications on Windows and Linux. With AxProtector NC (Native Core), native Windows binaries on both ARM and Intel platforms can also be protected, while automatic CodeMoving for .NET can be applied directly from the AxProtector GUI.

The Embedded World program will feature a presentation by Oliver Winzenried on post-quantum cryptography, addressing the implications of quantum computing for long-term security and compliance. The “How to Upgrade to Long-Term Security With Post-Quantum Cryptography” session will outline practical migration strategies, regulatory considerations, and best practices for organizations developing digital products with extended lifecycles.

By covering embedded devices, local applications, and cryptographic resilience, Wibu-Systems presents a consistent security and licensing concept designed to support modern embedded product portfolios over time.

“Embedded products are no longer defined by hardware alone. Protection, licensing, and cryptographic resilience have become fundamental design decisions that determine how software-based value is secured over the entire lifecycle.”, Oliver Winzenried, CEO & Founder, WIBU-SYSTEMS AG.

Wibu-Systems, a German pioneer in software protection, licensing, and cybersecurity, will present its latest CodeMeter advancements at SPS 2025 – Smart Production Solutions: secure licensing for small devices with only a few kilobytes of memory, and a scalable platform that automates license management across entire industrial ecosystems. These technologies exemplify Wibu-Systems’ mission to make security and monetization inseparable pillars of digital industry – a vision brought to life through live demonstrations at SPS 2025.

Independent market studies confirm that the industrial software market is expanding at a record pace, from USD 146 billion in 2023 to an expected USD 355 billion by 2030, growing at a 13.5% CAGR (Source: IoT Analytics 2024). The shift from hardware value to software-driven differentiation is redefining the automation landscape: features, performance, and service models are now largely determined by code. In this new paradigm, the ability to protect intellectual property and monetize digital functionality securely is a strategic advantage.

Licensing and Protection for Small Devices

Automation increasingly relies on distributed intelligence, including microcontrollers and smart sensors with limited memory and computing power. Wibu-Systems addresses these constraints with a lightweight CodeMeter library and optimized license format, allowing secure licensing and signature verification within just a few kilobytes of memory.

This setup enables unified lifecycle management, secure activation workflows, and traceable compliance data – all essential for CRA-ready device fleets. Manufacturers gain full flexibility to license functionality, manage production counts, and protect IP on the smallest embedded platforms.

CodeMeter License Portal: Scalable Licensing for Connected Ecosystems

For machine builders, OEMs, and automation vendors managing complex digital portfolios, CodeMeter License Portal extends CodeMeter License Central, Wibu-Systems’ database-driven system for creating, delivering, and managing licenses throughout their lifecycle, with a customizable, browser-based interface for license management.

It empowers administrators, resellers, and end users to activate, deactivate, restore, and assign licenses autonomously. With role-based access control, API integration into ERP and CRM systems, and hierarchical multi-tenant structures, it offers the transparency and traceability that digital manufacturing ecosystems demand – while drastically reducing support overhead.

CRA Readiness: Built for Compliance and Beyond

The Cyber Resilience Act is reshaping how digital products are designed and maintained. CodeMeter anticipates these requirements with integrated security, authentication, and lifecycle control mechanisms that not only make Wibu-Systems’ technology compliant, but also enable its customers to achieve compliance in their own devices and applications. By combining integrity protection, encrypted data handling, and secure license traceability, CodeMeter turns regulatory obligations into a framework for trust, resilience, and long-term product value.

“The automation industry has reached an inflection point,” said Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management of Wibu-Systems. “For decades, machines defined value through precision and output. Today, their true value lies in the software that drives them and in the trust that protects it. At SPS 2025, Wibu-Systems demonstrates that security and monetization are the dual engines of industrial progress.”

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection and licensing, is empowering Japan-based PlantStream Inc. to secure its next-generation 3D CAD software and accelerate international expansion. By adopting CodeMeter technology, PlantStream protects its intellectual property, simplifies license management, and ensures seamless access for engineering teams worldwide.

PlantStream was founded in 2020 as a joint venture between Arent Inc. and Chiyoda Corporation, and since 2025 has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Arent. Its 3D CAD system streamlines plant design workflows and introduces automatic pipe routing that can process around 1,000 pipes per minute, accelerating feasibility and front-end engineering design phases by up to 75%. The software has quickly attracted attention in oil & gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries for its ability to streamline workflows and support real-time collaboration.

With its global expansion, PlantStream faced the dual challenge of protecting intellectual property from unauthorized use and distributing licenses across organizations with diverse IT policies. Many clients resisted installing on-premises license servers, while others required offline access due to restricted connectivity.

To overcome these hurdles, PlantStream integrated Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter suite. AxProtector .NET encrypts the C# application, preventing reverse engineering and tampering. A hybrid licensing model combines CmCloud, delivered via CodeMeter License Central and WebDepot for instant activation, with CmActLicense for file-based, offline-friendly use. CodeMeter License Reporting provides daily insights into feature usage, while integration with PlantStream’s ERP and CRM systems automates renewals, invoicing, and revenue recognition.

Kazuhisa Horita, Customer Success Manager at PlantStream, commented: “PlantStream is a 3D CAD software for plant design, which raised high expectations among domestic and international designers. With CodeMeter’s cloud licensing, we were able to track which features each prospective customer used during evaluations, allowing us to extend demos, provide additional seats, and optimize our pre-sales process. Looking ahead, we plan to leverage cloud caching to maintain offline access and ensure seamless workflows, even without connectivity.”

From Wibu-Systems’ perspective, the collaboration demonstrates the importance of adapting licensing models to different industrial realities. Tadashi Shiraki, Country Manager at WIBU-SYSTEMS K.K., noted: “We immediately recognized the disruptive potential of PlantStream and the need for a secure, flexible licensing framework to support its global rollout. By combining strong software protection with hybrid licensing and automated reporting, we helped ensure that PlantStream can confidently expand worldwide while safeguarding its intellectual property.”

The joint effort positions PlantStream as a trailblazer in plant engineering design and reinforces Wibu-Systems’ mission to deliver secure, adaptable licensing solutions for the industrial automation ecosystem.

July 2–3, 2025 – INNO DAYS 2025, hosted by Wibu-Systems, returns as a two-day hybrid event set to explore the strategic intersection of cybersecurity, licensing, and the future of IT infrastructure. Taking place at Wibu-Systems’ headquarters with the roundtable streamed globally, this high-level forum unites leading minds from industry, academia, and technology to address the digital transformations shaping business models and national security strategies.

At a time of growing geopolitical tension, accelerated digitalization, and an imminent quantum computing shift, INNO DAYS 2025 offers critical insights and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the software and hardware sectors. The event opens with a dedicated networking dinner in Karlsruhe, setting the tone for a robust knowledge-sharing and collaboration experience.

On July 3rd, participants will engage in a full-day program featuring keynote speeches, live demonstrations, and deep-dive panels. With speakers from Roche, SAP, KIT, Infineon, Rohde & Schwarz, and others, the event tackles emerging business opportunities in Asia, novel methods for license enforcement, and the direct implications of sweeping EU legislation such as the Cyber Resilience Act, AI Act, and NIS2 Directive.

Targeted for product managers, legal and compliance professionals, cybersecurity specialists, and executives navigating the increasingly complex global regulatory and technological terrain, INNO DAYS 2025 serves not only as a stage for Wibu-Systems’ own innovations − such as CodeMeter Protection Suite, a toolkit for encrypting and obfuscating software across platforms; CodeMeter License Central, the cloud-based backend for automating software license creation, deployment, and management; CodeMeter License Portal, the customizable self-service interface for license activation and entitlement handling; and the soon-to-be rolled out CodeMeter License Reporting, a data analytics module offering insight into how software is used − but as a dialogue-enabling arena to foster best practices and joint solutions.

Agenda Highlights:

• Global Business Outlook: Prof. Dr. Manuel Vermeer (Dr. Vermeer Consult) offers insights into Asia’s economic trajectory, cultural barriers, and opportunities across India, Indonesia, and beyond.
• Next-Gen License Enforcement: Axel Engelmann (Wibu-Systems) explores scalable, secure licensing integrated with AI-driven protection, across C++, Rust, Python, and more.
• EU Regulations Demystified: Dr. Christian Foerster (Bartsch Rechtsanwaelte) decodes upcoming EU mandates and their ripple effects on cybersecurity and IT product development.
• Case Studies in Practice:
  • Rohde & Schwarz (Silke Werner) on standardizing software licensing via CodeMeter.
  • Euresys (Stéphan Hausoul) on licensing high-performance machine vision libraries.
  • Roche Diagnostics (Oliver Russek) on unifying entitlement and provisioning across medical software portfolios.
• Cyber Threat Landscape: Christoph Fischer (BFK edv-consulting) discusses the rise of sabotage, espionage, and asymmetric warfare in a fractured geopolitical environment.
• Product Innovation: The introduction of CodeMeter License Reporting, presented by Florian Schneider and Holger Marquetant (Wibu-Systems), reveals a new analytics layer to understand software usage behavior and drive monetization strategies.
• Quantum Computing and Digital Sovereignty Roundtable (Live-streamed): A forward-looking discussion on building quantum-resilient IT systems, with Thomas Depeweg (SAP), Dr. Detlef Houdeau (Infineon), Prof. Dr. Joern Mueller-Quade (KIT), and Oliver Winzenried (Wibu-Systems), moderated by Steve Atkins (Krowne Communications).

Live demos by INFORMATICS and Nitrobox will showcase real-life CodeMeter deployments in SAP licensing and flexible subscription billing, providing attendees with direct access to implementation best practices.

“INNO DAYS 2025 is designed as a compass for organizations navigating the transformative tides of digital regulation, software monetization, and post-quantum security. By uniting diverse perspectives from enterprise, research, and law, we provide a forum for grounded dialogue and strategic foresight.” – Oliver Winzenried, CEO and Founder, WIBU-SYSTEMS AG.

Wibu-Systems, the global leader in software protection, licensing, and security, will announce its latest innovations for the automation industry at Automate 2025, Detroit, MI, May 12 - 15, Booth #1739. Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the 2025 Automate Show expects to attract more than 40,000 attendees from across North America and the rest of the world. Wibu-Systems will highlight its CodeMeter technologies that address the automation software licensing and protection challenges faced by industrial experts involved with robotics, machine vision, AI/Machine Learning, motion controllers, and other intelligent, software-driven machine applications.

Expanding Platform Support: CodeMeter Embedded Now Supports Microsoft Windows on ARM

Wibu-Systems has enhanced CodeMeter Embedded to support native software builds for Windows on ARM ensuring robust protection and comprehensive licensing solutions for the emerging platform. The added support guarantees compatibility with various ARM-based industrial controllers, IoT gateways, and automotive ECUs, reinforcing Wibu-Systems’ commitment to a secure embedded ecosystem.

Addressing the Shift Toward Data-Driven Industrial Licensing

Software-driven automation is transforming industrial environments and effective licensing strategies are crucial for monetization and resource allocation. With its new license reporting feature, CodeMeter offers extensive analytics, helping independent software vendors (ISVs) and industrial OEMs gain unprecedented transparency over software license usage. By leveraging interactive dashboards, businesses can track usage patterns, detect licensing inefficiencies, and optimize monetization strategies. CodeMeter License Reporting enables data-driven decision-making, improving both customer experience and revenue streams.

Protecting AI and Machine Learning Applications

CodeMeter Protection Suite offers an all-round toolkit for the defense of both executables and data involved in AI and ML applications. Due to the availability of open-source frameworks, as well as the popularity of the language, AI applications are often written in Python. AxProtector Python protects both the framework code used for training and the data used in the machine learning lifecycle, from manipulation, theft of intellectual property, and unauthorized use.

Helping to Navigate Regulatory Security Pressure in the EU

The Cyber Resilience Act redefines cybersecurity standards across Europe, mandating strict security protocols for all products with digital elements. Wibu-Systems is at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge security solutions, including integrity protection, secure authentication, and flexible licensing management, tailored to help industrial companies comply with these new cybersecurity requirements.

“Software is a core element of the comprehensive digital transformations being experienced by companies in the industrial automation sector who strive to maintain their competitive edge, whether it be by leveraging manufacturing cost efficiency, realizing savings from advanced automation mechanisms, or engaging new markets. And, as automation systems become more sophisticated and increasingly networked, software security and licensing flexibility are more critical than ever," said Marcellus Buchheit, President and CEO, Wibu-Systems USA. "Use cases for our comprehensive CodeMeter software licensing and protection technology demonstrate how we are leading the way to meet the challenges of digital transformation for smart industry."

Wibu-Systems has won the Cybersecurity category at the BOLD Awards VI, held in Lisbon, Portugal. The award was granted in recognition of AxProtector Compile Time Protection (CTP), a solution that combines sophisticated compile-time obfuscation and licensing control, designed to protect software from reverse engineering and unauthorized use. Oliver Winzenried, co-founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, personally received the award at the gala event on 28 March 2025.

“In a world where digital threats evolve daily, true innovators don’t just react – they stay ahead. Congratulations to Wibu-Systems, the BOLD Awards VI winner in Cybersecurity, for pushing the boundaries of protection, trust, and resilience. Keep leading the way and always be BOLD!” – Epi Ludvik, Founder & CEO of BOLD Awards.

A Response to System-Level Changes and Industry Shifts

The development of AxProtector CTP was not solely driven by the rising number of cyber threats. It also emerged as a strategic response to a broader shift in the software ecosystem – particularly Apple’s increasingly strict security guidelines. Traditional protection methods where encrypted code must be decrypted before execution, often fall short in these new environments, exposing applications to risks during runtime.

AxProtector CTP changes the paradigm by using enhanced obfuscation techniques to program code and encrypting sensitive data structures, including control flow logic. This aligns with updated macOS code-signing protocols and ensures uninterrupted, high-level protection across modern platforms. At the same time, industries worldwide are demanding more flexible, licensing-aware protection that keeps pace with both development trends and compliance requirements.

AxProtector CTP: Securing Software at its Source

AxProtector CTP integrates directly with the LLVM compiler infrastructure, enabling deeply embedded, tamper-resistant software protection right at the source code level. By applying advanced obfuscation and code transformation techniques during compilation, it renders program logic unintelligible to attackers while retaining performance and stability. The protected application features encrypted control flow, inserted integrity checks, and runtime binding to license credentials – all executed without compromising user experience.

The technology supports cross-platform development for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and is compatible with Intel, ARMHF, and AARCH64 architectures. With minimal performance overhead, AxProtector CTP is particularly well-suited for real-time systems and edge computing environments.

“By integrating compile-time obfuscation and license enforcement into the developer’s toolchain, AxProtector CTP makes it extremely hard and time-consuming for attackers to reconstruct code logic. This is a leap forward in both usability and effectiveness for protecting critical software.” – Axel Engelmann, R&D Software, Team Lead Protection at Wibu-Systems.

A Core Component of CodeMeter Protection Suite

As part of CodeMeter Protection Suite, AxProtector CTP plays a pivotal role in delivering holistic IP protection and flexible licensing strategies. Together with modules like AxProtector Python, it extends security to AI-driven applications and native codebases alike. CodeMeter also enables monetization models through license-based access control, empowering vendors to protect their digital assets while unlocking recurring revenue streams.

“Winning the BOLD Award is not just an honor; it’s a confirmation that our strategic focus on future-proof protection and licensing meets the needs of a changing digital landscape. We are proud to be recognized for our work in shaping the security of intelligent software.” – Oliver Winzenried, CEO of Wibu-Systems.

Wibu-Systems, a world leader in software protection, licensing, and security solutions, is exhibiting at Hannover Messe 2025 (Hall 16, Booth D10) where it is unveiling CodeMeter License Reporting (CmLR), its latest cloud-based innovation. This cutting-edge platform provides software vendors with deep, data-driven insights into license usage, optimizing business models and enabling customer-centric licensing recommendations.

A New Era of License Transparency and Monetization

CodeMeter is Wibu-Systems' comprehensive technology for software protection and licensing, designed to safeguard applications against piracy, reverse engineering, and code tampering while offering flexible licensing models. It serves as the backbone for CmLR, ensuring secure and efficient license management across various platforms.

Software-driven automation is transforming industrial environments and effective licensing strategies are crucial for monetization and resource allocation. CmLR offers extensive analytics, helping independent software vendors (ISVs) and industrial OEMs gain unprecedented transparency over software license usage.

By leveraging interactive dashboards, businesses can track usage patterns, detect licensing inefficiencies, and optimize monetization strategies. CmLR enables data-driven decision-making, improving both customer experience and revenue streams.

Key Capabilities of CodeMeter License Reporting

• Extensive usage tracking – Detailed insights into license activations, usage duration, and access trends.
• Automated analytics – Dashboards for failed access attempts, geo-location data, and concurrent license usage.
• Proactive handling – Top customers identification to optimize licensing strategy.
• Ideal visualization – Intuitive dashboards deliver all relevant information at a glance.

Comprehensive Dashboards for In-Depth Analysis

CmLR provides a suite of dashboards designed to offer detailed analyses of license usage:

• Usage Time & License Accesses Dashboard – Offers an overview of critical metrics, including usage duration, number of accesses, most-used products, and top customers within a selected timeframe.
• Failed Accesses Dashboard – Identifies failed access attempts for early error detection and resolution, allowing businesses to address recurring issues or identify under-licensed customers reaching their limits.
• Accesses by Geo-Location Dashboard – Visualizes global license activities using heat maps, aiding in the optimization of regional strategies by identifying geographical usage trends.
• Maximum License Usage Dashboard – Analyzes the maximum number of concurrently used licenses to identify upselling opportunities and detect bottlenecks in license allocation.
• Seats Used per Container Dashboard – Tracks the number of seats used per container, ensuring full cost control over purchased seats.
• Seats Used per Account Dashboard – Provides a detailed analysis of the timing and usage patterns of individual seats by end customers, enabling early identification of trends and optimization opportunities.

These dashboards empower ISVs to identify usage patterns early, optimize software and licensing models, and align marketing strategies based on data. Additionally, precise usage analyses allow for targeted customer engagement and the development of personalized licensing packages.

Seamless Data Export and Integration

Acknowledging the significance of flexibility, CmLR offers robust data export capabilities:

• Data Export Functionality – Allows companies to export all collected data for independent analysis, facilitating deeper insights and custom reporting.
• REST API Access – An optional feature enabling direct integration into existing analytics environments, ensuring that ISVs have continuous access to relevant information.

The Shift Toward Data-Driven Industrial Licensing

The increasing use of software-driven industrial automation is fueling demand for advanced licensing solutions. According to a 2024 report by Credence Research, the license management market is projected to grow to an estimated USD 5774.19 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% from 2024 to 2032, also driven by the need for efficient software monetization in industrial sectors.

“With the introduction of CodeMeter License Reporting (CmLR), we are empowering software vendors with the insights they need to make informed licensing decisions. By harnessing detailed analytics, they can maximize profitability, optimize licensing models, and enhance customer satisfaction. CmLR seamlessly integrates into the CodeMeter ecosystem, reinforcing our commitment to providing secure and flexible licensing solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of the industry”, stated Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management at WIBU-SYSTEMS AG.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and security, will exhibit at Hannover Messe (Hall 16, Booth D10) to showcase its innovative cybersecurity solutions. With the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) already in force since December 10, 2024, alongside other far-reaching regulations such as NIS-2 and RED DA, companies around the world across industries face increased pressure to enhance their security frameworks. Wibu-Systems is at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge security solutions tailored to meet these new demands.

Navigating Regulatory Pressure in the EU

The Cyber Resilience Act aims to redefine cybersecurity standards across Europe, mandating strict security protocols for all products with digital elements. Conformity assessment bodies must comply by June 11, 2026, while manufacturers are required to report exploitable vulnerabilities by September 11, 2026. Full enforcement will commence on December 11, 2027, making it imperative for businesses to begin implementing robust security measures now to ensure compliance. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, sales restrictions, and increased liability risks. Additionally, the NIS-2 Directive and RED DA introduce further obligations for manufacturers, service providers, and critical infrastructure operators, reinforcing the need for strengthened cybersecurity defenses. Wibu-Systems is ready to assist companies in navigating these evolving regulatory landscapes.

Wibu-Systems' Comprehensive CRA-Ready Solutions

Understanding the complexities of cybersecurity regulations, Wibu-Systems offers a range of solutions to help businesses align with CRA requirements. Visitors to the trade fair can find out more directly at stand D10 in hall 16.

• Integrity Protection for Software and Data: CodeMeter Protection Suite delivers a comprehensive security framework by integrating encryption, obfuscation, integrity verification, anti-debugging, and anti-tampering mechanisms. These advanced security layers work in unison to shield software and digital assets from unauthorized modifications and cyber threats. The Suite's modular architecture extends support across multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, .NET, Python, JavaScript, Java, and Android, ensuring broad compatibility for various digital products. Additionally, its interoperable features, such as modular licensing, IP protection without licensing, and secure code execution within dedicated hardware repositories – the CmDongles, offer a versatile and highly secure solution for businesses striving to meet evolving cybersecurity requirements.
• Secure Authentication: CodeMeter API offers cryptographic operations such as symmetric and asymmetric encryption as well as digital signature procedures, enabling seamless integration into digital products and protection from tampering. The key material is securely stored in the secure hardware component of the CodeMeter license containers (CmDongles), a Common Criteria (CC) EAL 5+ certified crypto controller embedded in the units. Associated certificates are also safeguarded from manipulation to prevent spoofing attacks. Furthermore, CodeMeter Certificate Vault provides a PKCS#11 compliant token provider solution for authentication using certificates stored in the CmDongles. This ensures the protection of digital assets against unauthorized access and guarantees compliance at all times.
• Compliance-Driven Licensing: CodeMeter License Central, the database-driven license and entitlement management solution that automates the process of creating, delivering, and managing licenses for software and digital content, allows businesses to track software usage, manage compliance, and enforce software recalls if necessary. Handling of personal and operational data already aligns with data minimization principles.

Expert Insights: Cybersecurity Panel at Hannover Messe

For a deeper understanding of how businesses can navigate these regulatory challenges, Wibu-Systems' CEO, Oliver Winzenried, will participate in a high-profile panel discussion: “Cybersecurity Between Regulation and Ransomware – Implementing CRA, NIS-2, and RED DA in Practice.” The panel, taking place on April 1 (09:45-11:15, Hall 16, A12), will be moderated by VDMA (the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), a leading voice in industrial digitalization. The discussion will feature industry experts from Lenze, NORD, Wibu-Systems, and BSI (Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security), examining the impact of cybersecurity regulations and best practices for implementation.

“All the cyber-regulations that the EU is rolling out at unprecedented speed mark a pivotal shift in cybersecurity, requiring companies to adopt a proactive and resilient approach. By introducing these norms at a time when its population has embraced the digital transformation, Europe intends to grow as an independent force in the global market, aiming at safeguarding the digital life of its citizens and the global population, at large. At Wibu-Systems, we have long been committed to delivering state-of-the-art security solutions that protect digital assets while ensuring regulatory compliance. Hannover Messe provides us a vital platform to engage with industry leaders and share strategies for a secure digital future.” – Oliver Winzenried, CEO and Founder of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG.

Wibu-Systems, the global leader in software protection, licensing, and security, is set to make a significant impact at Embedded World 2025. Hosted by the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL)  in Hall 4, Booth 168, Wibu-Systems will showcase its latest advancements in embedded security and licensing. Highlights include full support for Windows on ARM, the introduction of temporary license borrowing, and a live demonstration of CodeMeter Embedded’s seamless integration with cloud and hardware-based security solutions. These innovations address key challenges for the embedded community, reinforcing Wibu-Systems’ commitment to securing and enabling the next generation of embedded applications.

Expanding Platform Support: CodeMeter Embedded Now Supports Microsoft Windows on ARM

The rise of ARM-based notebooks running Microsoft Windows 11 has marked a significant shift in the computing landscape. These devices are gaining traction due to their superior energy efficiency and high performance. Last year, ARM’s CEO set an ambitious goal to capture 50% of the PC market within five years, reflecting the growing momentum behind the architecture. Recognizing this trend, Wibu-Systems has enhanced CodeMeter Embedded to support native software builds for Windows on ARM. Starting with version 3.12, developers can integrate CodeMeter Embedded seamlessly into their ARM-based applications, ensuring robust protection and comprehensive licensing solutions for this emerging platform. The added support guarantees compatibility with various ARM-based industrial controllers, IoT gateways, and automotive ECUs, reinforcing Wibu-Systems’ commitment to a secure embedded ecosystem.

License Borrowing: A Game-Changer for Mobile Users

Flexibility is a crucial requirement for modern software users, especially in industrial and professional environments. With CodeMeter Embedded 3.11, Wibu-Systems introduces a new capability: temporary license borrowing. While permanent license transfers have been possible since version 2.40, the latest update allows users to borrow licenses for a predetermined duration. Once the borrowing period expires, the license automatically reverts to its original system, ensuring optimal resource utilization. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals needing licensed software while working offline. The borrowed license remains securely stored on their device, eliminating the need for continuous network connectivity, and seamlessly returns to the server pool when no longer needed. A typical use case includes field engineers working in remote locations where network access is intermittent or unavailable, allowing them to carry secure licenses locally without disruption.

Live Demonstration: CodeMeter Embedded in Action

Visitors of Wibu-Systems’ exhibit will be able to interact with a live demonstration showcasing how embedded devices can use licenses in CodeMeter Cloud from a secure shop floor LAN without direct access to the Internet. The devices will be set to communicate with license containers in CmCloud from the isolated production network via a CodeMeter edge device that acts as a proxy. Changes to the license container in the cloud will thus have a direct effect on the connected end devices.

Embedded Systems: The Invisible Backbone of Modern Society

Embedded systems are the foundation of critical infrastructure, industrial automation, and everyday devices, yet they often operate out of sight. According to recent industry data, the global embedded systems market is expected to grow to $161.83 billion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for automation, IoT solutions, and AI-driven applications. The industrial sector alone represents a significant portion of this growth, as smart factories, edge computing, and real-time analytics demand highly secure and efficient licensing solutions. As cyber threats targeting embedded systems become more sophisticated, the need for cutting-edge protection mechanisms like CodeMeter continues to grow.

“Embedded systems are becoming increasingly complex and networked, making security and licensing even more critical,” said Marco Blume, Product Manager Embedded at Wibu-Systems. “Our latest enhancements ensure that software publishers and device manufacturers have the flexibility and protection they need, whether they are working with Windows on ARM, temporarily borrowing licenses, or leveraging cloud-based security solutions. CodeMeter Embedded continues to evolve to meet the high-performance and security demands of modern industrial and embedded applications.”

The latest edition of KEYnote magazine, the semi-annual publication presented by the protection and licensing specialists at Wibu-Systems, has just been released and available in multiple easy-to-read digital formats. The Fall/Winter issue covers a wide range of topics of interest to software developers, IT security specialists, product managers, and other security enthusiasts, all geared towards covering the latest industry news and trends, novel products and updates, use cases, and emerging technologies.

Featured in this issue are the advances, security issues, and the impact of the upcoming regulations on Artificial Intelligence, the rapidly evolving technology that is having a profound impact on the world at large. While organizations increasingly rely on Machine Learning (ML) to analyze vast amounts of data, automate processes, and develop highly personalized services, the development and proliferation of AI introduce new risks, particularly concerning security and the protection of intellectual property. Encryption, obfuscation, and targeted licensing offer effective strategies to safeguard AI models against unauthorized access and manipulation. This article, in particular, discusses products like Wibu-Systems’ AxProtector Python and AxProtector CTP, which provide companies with comprehensive tools to protect their applications and AI models. These solutions not only ensure security but also enable the strategic monetization of AI applications while meeting regulatory requirements.

Additional articles in KEYnote 48 include:

• CodeMeter License Reporting: CodeMeter License Reporting provides a powerful solution for analyzing, evaluating, and visualizing usage data. With this vital information, ISVs gain insights to better understand customer behavior, refine products, and optimize business processes. The ability to implement new business models, such as pay-per-use licensing, opens up entirely new opportunities.
• Country-Specific Licenses: A common issue in international software distribution is the price disparity between different countries. CodeMeter now offers the option to bind licenses to specific countries, enabling price differentiation and effectively preventing licenses from being used unlawfully in prohibited regions and ensuring compliance with legal regulations and embargo restrictions.
• CodeMeter License Portal 24.09: CodeMeter License Portal provides ISVs with the ability to easily create and manage licenses for customers and resellers. The Portal can be customized to manage CmCloudContainers, assign tickets and licenses to users, administer subscriptions, and manage resellers. The article presents a number of use cases for diverse types of users: License server, build systems, and technical devices.
• Optimized CmCloud Regions: To provide an even smoother user experience with CmCloudContainers and ensure optimal performance of protected software, Wibu-Systems has expanded its hosting infrastructure with a new installation in Tokyo, Japan, complementing the existing one in Frankfurt, Germany. Additional hosting locations can be swiftly activated in other regions to effectively meet market demands.

Announcement of a new Wibu-Systems’ office in South Korea, a look at use cases for CodeMeter Embedded, an overview of event handling in protected applications, and a case study on the integration of the CodeMeter protection and licensing solution into an application marketplace for industry players, are also featured in this content-packed issue.

“In today’s complex technological and economic landscape, where innovation accelerates alongside rising cyber threats and tightening regulatory demands, secure and monetized software is no longer optional − it's essential. Our KEYnote magazine underscores our role as a trusted partner, guiding software-driven businesses through these critical challenges with resilient solutions like CodeMeter, which deliver robust protection, compliance with evolving standards such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and adaptable licensing that empowers growth across global markets,” stated Oliver Winzenried, CEO and Founder of Wibu-Systems.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and security for intelligent devices, is set to host exclusive guided tours at SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, from 12-14 November 2024. This industry-defining event brings together innovators in automation, and Wibu-Systems will showcase how its flagship technology, CodeMeter, is being used by top companies like B&R, CODESYS, KEBA, Kistler, and TTTech Industrial to protect their intellectual property and enable secure software licensing.

SPS (Smart Production Solutions) is one of the largest international trade fairs for industrial automation, gathering key players from around the globe to explore the latest trends in intelligent manufacturing, IIoT, and automation technologies. The guided tours, which will begin at Wibu-Systems’ booth (Hall 6, Booth 428), offer attendees an opportunity to engage directly with these companies, learn how they leverage CodeMeter to secure their software, and understand the flexible licensing models that streamline their operations. The daily schedule comprises three meetups: Tuesday, 12 November from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, Wednesday, 13 November from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and Thursday, 14 November from 10:00 to 11:30 AM.

The Urgent Need for Security and Licensing in Industrial Automation

Recent data underscores the importance of solutions like Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter. A 2023 study by Cybersecurity Ventures projects that cybercrime will cost the world over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, with industrial systems being a prime target due to the increasing connectivity and reliance on IIoT. Another report by Fortinet found that 93% of organizations experienced at least one significant cybersecurity breach in the past 12 months, emphasizing the need for robust protection in industrial sectors.

This makes Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter indispensable for companies seeking to protect both their software and intellectual property from cyber threats, reverse engineering, and unauthorized access. CodeMeter not only safeguards the digital know-how of companies but also offers flexible licensing options that allow businesses to monetize their software more effectively, generate new revenue streams, and manage the distribution of their software in a controlled and secure manner.

Participating Companies and Their Use of CodeMeter

• B&R, a leader in machine automation, integrated CodeMeter with Technology Guarding to protect their hardware and software from unauthorized access and tampering. The inclusion of CodeMeter in their Automation Studio development environment enables secure licensing and ensures that only licensed software runs on their systems.
• CODESYS, renowned for its IEC 61131-3 automation software, combines CodeMeter with their SoftPLCs and Virtual PLCs to protect source code, functions, and libraries. The integration of CodeMeter into their development environment ensures that only authorized users can run their applications, protecting the company’s intellectual property from reverse engineering and theft.
• KEBA, operating across industrial and energy sectors, uses CodeMeter and its SAP integration for IP protection and licensing. With AxProtector, KEBA secures their software at both PC and intelligent device levels. CodeMeter’s flexible licensing model allows KEBA to offer trial licenses that can easily be upgraded to permanent ones.
• Kistler, a world leader in precision measurement technology for industries like automotive and aerospace, uses CodeMeter to secure its dynamic measurement software running on PCs and embedded systems. With CodeMeter, Kistler not only prevents unauthorized access to its software but also enables flexible licensing models that allow customers to access specific software features tailored to their needs.
• TTTech Industrial, a pioneer in IIoT solutions, integrates CodeMeter to protect its NERVE platform, ensuring secure data flow and application management across diverse industrial edge environments. The platform relies on CodeMeter for robust license management, allowing it to provide a safe and reliable framework for industrial automation and edge computing.

CodeMeter’s Role in the Future of Automation

As industrial systems become increasingly interconnected and reliant on intelligent devices, securing both software and hardware has never been more critical. Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology addresses these challenges head-on, offering companies a comprehensive solution that combines software protection, licensing, and security.

“Security and licensing are two cornerstones of the future of industrial automation. By partnering with industry leaders, we are helping businesses secure their intellectual property and optimize their operations with CodeMeter,” said Oliver Winzenried, CEO and co-founder of Wibu-Systems. “At SPS 2024, our guided tours will demonstrate the real-world impact of these solutions in driving innovation and safeguarding critical automation systems.”

Wibu-Systems, an industry leader with an unwavering focus on software protection, licensing, and security for over three decades, has elevated the digital certificate landscape with its innovative solution: CodeMeter Certificate Vault. This advanced tool, compliant with the PKCS#11 standard, seamlessly integrates with CodeMeter's robust hardware dongles, offering a sophisticated certificate logistics and management system. This cutting-edge solution has just achieved the distinguished AWS IoT Greengrass 2.12.0 qualification, underscoring its superior hardware security integration capabilities.

Digital certificates are used in everything from regular email communication or websites to the most modern industrial automation setups that depend on multiple entities with reliable identities communicating with each other in complex legacy and new hardware and software setups. In PKI architectures, certificates rely on asymmetric key pairs: a public key that is exposed and acts like a real-life passport or ID card and a private key that remains with the owner; both together are a virtual guarantee that the identity of the bearer is genuine. However, the safe storage of the private keys is the natural weak spot of many certificates.

Wibu-Systems has brought its decades of experience with cryptographically secure license creation, management, and storage to the certificate world to address this problem. Its solution, CodeMeter Certificate Vault, uses CmDongles, secure hardware elements to hold the private keys and run the necessary cryptographic operations within the embedded smart card chip from Infineon. This equips enterprises and private users who do not have access to high-end hardware secure modules with a safe repository for their digital identities.

CodeMeter Certificate Vault stands as the quintessential tool for securely storing and utilizing X.509 certificates, alongside safeguarding encrypted software license keys within a robust hardware dongle. Designed as a PKCS#11 compliant token provider, it ensures that keys nestled in CmDongles remain impenetrable, shielded against any form of duplication or tampering. This level of security ensures that applications leveraging the PKCS#11 interface find a seamless ally in CodeMeter Certificate Vault. Furthermore, its compatibility extends through OpenSSL integration, paving the way for seamless incorporation with diverse applications, including OPC UA servers. Engineered to work with RSA 2048 encryption, CodeMeter Certificate Vault is not just a solution but a fortress for digital security, redefining the standards of protection in the digital realm.

Now, CodeMeter Certificate Vault has just earned the prestigious AWS IoT Greengrass badge. This qualification not only underscores its seamless hardware security integration but also aligns it with the AWS service renowned for empowering edge devices. By facilitating local computation, messaging, data caching, synchronization, and Machine Learning inference, AWS IoT Greengrass enables devices to function autonomously while maintaining cloud connectivity for comprehensive management and storage solutions. This achievement marks a significant milestone for CodeMeter Certificate Vault, reaffirming its commitment to providing cutting-edge security solutions that meet the dynamic needs of the embedded technology landscape.

For Marco Blume, Product Manager at Wibu-Systems, the new qualification badge is a mark of maturity for CodeMeter Certificate Vault: “Security in the online world often depends on identities – the ability to know and trust that the service, device, or person one is dealing with is indeed who they say they are. With AWS IoT Greengrass qualification, our authentication solution enters a new phase where innovation and optimized performance increase customer confidence, contributing to the popularity of the solution.”

In a year marked by global economic challenges, Wibu-Systems, the world renowned software protection, licensing, and security specialists, achieved a remarkably successful year again, thanks to its commitment to Made-in-Germany quality standards, prudent management of its critical supply chain, success in the Chinese market, and continued innovative prowess. The company celebrated this milestone by distributing a record €1.5 million in bonuses to its permanent headquarter staff.

Wibu-Systems, maker of the popular CodeMeter family of protection and licensing solutions, has a long history of letting its people share in the company’s financial fortunes. Even before moving to a new legal form as a public limited company in 1995, the owner-run IT specialist had profit sharing agreements in place for its permanent technical, commercial, and administrative personnel at its Karlsruhe head office. With the company’s dedication to ethical business practices, continued innovation, and a positive work environment, the payments were just one of many reasons to join Wibu-Systems, but 2023 proved to be a unique case: With the world economy in an uncertain state and families everywhere beginning to feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation, a financial windfall would come as welcome relief for every household. At Wibu-Systems, this came true in the form of a record payout to the company’s permanent staff in Karlsruhe. Outside of Germany, employees at Wibu-Systems USA subsidiary were awarded a similar profit-sharing plan. Subsidiaries in China, Japan, and the network of sales offices across Europe received payments in accordance with their local bonus schemes.

All of this was made possible by the exceptional financial global performance of the firm in 2023. The company's unparalleled success of the past fiscal year, a pinnacle in its thirty-five-year history, can be attributed to a confluence of key factors: The digital transition around the world generated increased demand for IT security and licensing technology, with the Chinese market reporting particularly positive figures for Wibu-Systems. But expert and prudent management played a pivotal role: The uncertainty in the global political and commercial climate called for preventative measures aimed at bringing the entire supply chain under local control.

The company’s continued commitment to Germany as not just its physical home, but also as a standard-bearer for quality and technological innovation and as a safe haven for the company’s carefully managed and governed critical infrastructure, meant that not only Wibu-Systems’ supply chains were secure, but its customers continued to enjoy new and award-winning software and hardware innovations and reliable, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013-certified quality. While Germany is the cradle for all research, development, key manufacturing activities, and core operations, Europe is the outpost for strategic supply, partnerships, and joint innovative projects.

This approach to a relatively local supply chain has several advantages, including a lower environmental impact, faster lead times, a stimulus for the local economy, lower disruption risks in the supply chain, and flexibility, as implementing changes and customizing solutions in response to market demands becomes easier when you are in full control.

For Oliver Winzenried, founder and CEO of Wibu-Systems, the combination of record sales and yet another record bonus payment is an incentive to continue improving: “We owe this success to our people. But it should also spur us on to do even better, to listen even more to our clients, and to give them exactly what they need. They trust us, and we want them to know that their confidence in us is well-placed. The people of Wibu-Systems will continue to excel, and we will continue to reward them for their hard work.”

Wibu-Systems is proud to announce the opening of its new office in South Korea, a move that underscores its commitment to expanding its global presence and meeting the unique needs of local markets. This new subsidiary represents a strategic step in the company’s growth journey, allowing the global leader in software protection, licensing, and security to better serve its South Korean customers with tailored solutions and dedicated support.

Reasons for Choosing South Korea

South Korea stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, renowned for its dynamic business environment and high ranking on the Ease of Doing Business index. The country’s rapid economic evolution, coupled with changing norms and customs, creates a fertile ground for innovation and business growth. Additionally, South Korea's gross national income per capita has seen a dramatic rise over the past decades, reflecting a robust and resilient economy.

South Korea is also a global leader in telecommunications and high-tech industries, with renowned companies that foster a culture of innovation and technological advancement. The country's education system is exemplary, with 89% of adults aged 25-64 having completed upper secondary education and nearly 70% of 25-34 year-olds holding tertiary education degrees, significantly surpassing the OECD average. This highly educated workforce is a key asset for any business looking to establish a strong presence in the region. Furthermore, South Korea is described as ‘mostly free’ by the Index of Economic Freedom, ensuring a favorable legal environment for business operations.

Wibu-Systems’ Expansion Over Time

Wibu-Systems’ journey of global expansion began with the establishment of its first overseas office in the USA in 2001, followed by its entry into China in 2003. In 2018, the company further extended its reach to Japan, and now, in 2024, it’s ready to open its own business in South Korea. Alongside these milestones, Wibu-Systems has continuously expanded its network of European offices and distributors worldwide, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for its customers globally.

Initial Operations and Future Growth Plans

Since providing local support in the native language and adhering to local practices is crucial for successful pre-sales consultancy and post-sales support, the new South Korean office, WIBU-SYSTEMS Korea Ltd., will initially focus on promoting CodeMeter technology, the company’s flagship software protection and licensing solutions.

Looking ahead, Wibu-Systems plans to further invest in the South Korean market by expanding its local team, fine-tuning its product portfolio and tailoring it to the region, and forging strategic partnerships with local businesses and academic institutions.

Oliver Winzenried, CEO and Founder of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG, headquartered in Germany, expressed his pride in the company's global legacy: “The opening of our South Korean office marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth plan. By transitioning from distribution to establishing our own office, we are better positioned to provide tailored solutions and dedicated support to our South Korean customers. This move reflects our commitment to building a global legacy and reinforcing our market leadership in cybersecurity and software monetization.”

With a high education in technology, vast experience in business development, and senior roles within large multinational corporations, mainly in the technology area, JungJae Kim was appointed Sales Director for the launch of this initiative of Wibu-Systems in South Korea.

JungJae Kim, Wibu-Systems’ local Sales Director, shared his enthusiasm: “I am honored to join Wibu-Systems in this exciting venture. South Korea's high-tech market presents tremendous opportunities, and I am eager to bring Wibu-Systems' innovative solutions to our local customers. As I familiarize myself with the market and our technology, I am confident that our new office will become a vital hub for growth and customer success in the region.”

Wibu-Systems proudly announces that its innovative AxProtector Compile Time Protection (CTP) has been honored with the 2024 German Innovation Award. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the German Design Council − a body established by the German Parliament and endowed by leading members of German industry − highlights exceptional achievements that significantly enhance business competitiveness through design, branding, and innovation. AxProtector CTP received the award in the 'Excellence in Business to Business' category, specifically in the 'IT / Functional Software' sub-category. This award underscores the company’s commitment to advancing technology that not only meets but anticipates the security needs of modern enterprises.

In an era marked by heightened cybersecurity threats and the evolving complexities of digital rights management, Wibu-Systems has once again set the bar high with its latest innovation, AxProtector Compile Time Protection (CTP). Recognized with the 2024 German Innovation Award, this solution has been celebrated for its pivotal role in transforming software protection. The German Design Council, which has been promoting the integration of outstanding design and innovation since 1953, recognized AxProtector CTP for its forward-thinking approach and substantial impact on industry standards.

"Targeted innovation is essential to remain successful and fit for the future. Innovations are indispensable for tackling the challenges of our time and and to drive forward the sustainable transformation of the industry. With the German Innovation Awards 2024, we are making these great innovations visible. I am delighted by the diversity of this year’s award-winning projects – they offer significant added value for industry, but also for society and the environment." Says Lutz Dietzold, CEO of the German Design Council, on the winners of the German Innovation Awards.

Established as a response to the stringent needs for enhanced software protection, especially in environments where traditional encryption is impractical, AxProtector CTP addresses several critical industry challenges. The technology was developed to provide an advanced level of protection for intellectual property, particularly targeting software that faces high risks of reverse engineering. By embedding protection mechanisms directly into the compile process, AxProtector CTP ensures that the protected software maintains its confidentiality and integrity from development to execution, making unauthorized access and tampering virtually impossible.

This need for heightened security was further underscored by changes in operating systems like macOS, which introduced tougher code signing guidelines, thus complicating the protection of software during runtime. AxProtector CTP is fully compatible with these new guidelines offering a solution that maintains continuous protection without requiring decryption of the protected code during execution.

The introduction of AxProtector CTP comes at a crucial time when industries across the board are seeking more reliable and robust methods to safeguard their software products. With features such as Advanced Compile Time Obfuscation and the support for a wide range of programming languages and platforms courtesy of its compatibility with the LLVM compiler, AxProtector CTP not only enhances security but also offers unprecedented flexibility in software development and deployment.

The acclaim received at the 2024 German Innovation Awards further validates the significance of AxProtector CTP in the realm of cybersecurity and digital rights management. As industries continue to navigate the challenges of digitalization and Industry 4.0, solutions like AxProtector CTP are essential for ensuring that innovation continues at a rapid pace without compromising on security. This award is a testament to Wibu-Systems' dedication to excellence and innovation in protecting the digital assets of companies worldwide.

As we celebrate this achievement, it’s clear that AxProtector CTP is not just a product but a major leap forward in secure software development. This technology is the result of our commitment to empowering developers and protecting software confidentiality and integrity in an increasingly complex digital world," said Axel Engelmann, R&D Software, Team Leader Protection Technologies at Wibu-Systems, at the award ceremony.

Wibu-Systems USA, a leader in the software licensing and protection market and member of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), will exhibit its CodeMeter software protection and licensing solutions at the Automate Show, booth 2185, in Chicago, May 6 - 9, 2024. CodeMeter offers proven use cases for global manufacturers of robotics, machine vision, AI, machine learning, motors and motion controllers, and other software-driven intelligent machines.

Cybersecurity is of paramount importance as the extensive digital transformations occurring in the manufacturing sector greatly expand the cyberthreat attack surface. Today’s automation systems are programmed to collect and share data, make decisions that trigger actions, and independently control processes. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in machine vision, robotics, and predictive maintenance makes an ever-increasing amount of critical data vulnerable and puts industrial processes at further risk.

A key component enabling all these industrial automation innovations is software, which must be protected against malicious tampering or IP theft. Additionally, creative software licensing strategies are proving to generate new sources of revenues and open new market opportunities for progressive automation companies.

At the Automate Show, Wibu-Systems will demonstrate key modules of its comprehensive CodeMeter software protection and licensing platform:

• CodeMeter Protection Suite
  Visitors will learn how to protect their software and digital assets with CodeMeter Protection Suite, using strong encryption, authentication, and access control technology to safeguard against piracy, copying, reverse engineering, and tampering.
• CodeMeter License Central
  Wibu-Systems representatives will discuss how the flexible CodeMeter License Central entitlement management solution increases revenue opportunities, enabling new business models by monetizing industrial machinery in new and innovative ways, including new software-driven business models such as consumption-based licensing, subscriptions, and features-on-demand.
• New CmReady Mass Storage Device System
  Also on display will be Wibu-Systems’ new CmReady system, which adds CodeMeter capabilities to qualified mass storage devices. Standard mass storage devices like SD or microSD cards are a popular option for many embedded and IoT device makers who cannot include a USB interface or integrate an ASIC in their hardware. Up to now, this architectural constraint has limited their choice, but the all new CmReady concept brings the best of both worlds. With CmReady, the binding is created by combining the hardware unique ID (UID) of the card with protected, monotonically increasing counters to prevent replay-attacks against the license container. These units are extremely portable and easy to use, with licenses added through the familiar CodeMeter license management system with no additional implementation efforts needed to establish the binding.   
• CodeMeter SDK
  Visitors to Wibu-Systems booth can also request a free CodeMeter SDK, the all-in-solution for software protection, licensing, and security. The SDK includes the complete set of tools, libraries, examples, and instructions to protect your software in less than five minutes, the Desktop Edition of CodeMeter License Central, the platform to generate, manage, and distribute licenses, two CmDongles, the ability to create demo CmActLicenses, bound to a set of PC specifications, and immediate access to our support team.

According to Marcellus Buchheit, President and CEO of Wibu-Systems USA: “Since joining the Association for Advancing Automation, we have had numerous opportunities to discuss the importance of software protection and licensing technologies with the makers of sophisticated robotics, machine vision, and other smart automation products. We look forward to displaying our CodeMeter solutions at the Automate Show and continuing to learn and discuss creative security solutions to safeguard and monetize these emerging technologies.”

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in secure license management solutions for the digital age, together with FLECS Technologies, a pioneering force aiming to transform the industrial app marketplace, are excited to reveal the groundbreaking outcomes of their partnership at Hannover Messe. In a special joint press conference scheduled for 22 April, from 1 to 2 pm, at Saal Hamburg, the visionary minds behind both companies will showcase their newest advancements and strategic endeavors. These initiatives are meticulously crafted to bolster developers and significantly elevate the user experience throughout the industrial sector, marking a new era in digital innovation and application security.

In today's digital era, purchasing software, subscribing to services, and downloading apps have become daily actions for millions of users. Simultaneously, software developers face increasingly complex challenges: ensuring effective protection of their applications, facilitating the integration of licenses by third-party providers, securely distributing software to users, activating licenses on end devices, and securing a reliable connection with those devices.

CodeMeter Protection Suite, developed by Wibu-Systems, stands out as a cutting-edge solution to these challenges. Offering a broad array of tools, it enables licensing of applications and protection from tampering and cyber piracy. A common strategy involves dividing the app into modules, each operatively linked through encryption to the presence of a valid license. This technology adapts to applications developed in various programming languages and frameworks, including .NET, nodeJS, Python, and machine-code generating languages like C, C++, and Go.

Developers already utilizing a CodeMeter-based infrastructure can specify this preference directly in the protection manifest. Those without their own CodeMeter infrastructure, or who wish to keep their resources separate from the marketplace, can take advantage of an infrastructure solution specifically provided by Wibu-Systems for the FLECS Marketplace.

The app provisioning process in the FLECS Marketplace is meticulous: the protected app and its protection manifest are published by the app provider, along with pricing, detailed descriptions, graphical elements, and screenshots. Using the CodeMeter infrastructure integrated into the Marketplace simplifies the automatic creation of a listing in the CodeMeter License Central connected to the Marketplace, further streamlining the process.

The purchase of an app by a customer is a crucial phase in the entire digital ecosystem. The FLECS Marketplace ensures a fully automated purchasing process, providing the end user with an order confirmation and a detailed invoice, with payment executed automatically where possible. Depending on the protection manifest's specifics, the FLECS Marketplace interacts with CodeMeter License Central, generating a license in the form of an activation code delivered alongside the app.

Once purchased, installing the app involves integrating the CodeMeter app and the Software Activation Wizard app on the device. The latter facilitates the license transfer to the device using the activation code. The license configuration may also allow for the license to be transferred to another device or reactivated in case of loss. The Software Activation Wizard app ensures transparent and automated use for license activations or subscription extensions, while CodeMeter secures the license custody, preventing abuses like device cloning.

The introduction of an app store or marketplace for proprietary and third-party applications has been made quick and easy thanks to innovative solutions like the FLECS Marketplace. Software producers can now easily introduce their applications into the Marketplace, freeing themselves from the complex processes associated with software protection and license management. This evolution represents a significant step forward in consolidating a secure, reliable, and easily accessible digital ecosystem, where software protection and licensing align with the needs of developers and end users, opening new frontiers in industrial digitalization.

Ruediger Kuegler, VP Professional Services at Wibu-Systems, is excited about this technological achievement: “What has been common in the private sector for years is still in its infancy in the industrial environment: the simple purchase of an additional function as an app in a store or marketplace. Many have attempted it, but none have been able to establish themselves as the standard. With the technology from FLECS, it's different. FLECS knows the industry, is open to all providers, and sets standards through membership in the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance. At Wibu-Systems, we are proud to have been part of this success story from the beginning.”

Samuel Greising, Managing Director & COO of FLECS Technologies underlines the possibilities for the industrial market created from this technology integration: “For FLECS, Wibu-Systems is an ideal partner when it comes to software licensing and protection, as many industrial companies already rely on products around CodeMeter today. The combination of both platforms offers outstanding benefits for app providers, but also very high convenience for our common users.”

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and security solutions, is set to make a significant impact at this year's Hannover Messe, the world's premier trade fair for industrial technology. In hall 16, booth D16, visitors can obtain expert guidance for safeguarding their software applications from piracy, reverse engineering, and tampering, insights on the best practices for software monetization, and a visionary glimpse of the future of technology.

As the company celebrates its 35^th anniversary and the world is eager to embrace new technologies, Oliver Winzenried, CEO and founder of Wibu-Systems, wants to leave an indelible mark at this year’s show: “This momentous occasion at Hannover Messe is not just a milestone for Wibu-Systems; it's a beacon for the future of cybersecurity and software licensing. With our pioneering CodeMeter technology and a suite of solutions designed to address today's most pressing challenges, we stand ready to empower industries across the globe. As we embark on guided tours and engage with peers, our goal is to forge a path toward a more secure, innovative, and sustainable digital landscape. Here's to unlocking new possibilities together.”

This year, Wibu-Systems is especially proud to introduce an exclusive series of guided tours led by Oliver Winzenried himself. These unique, curated journeys into the heart of industrial innovation offer attendees a firsthand look at how leading-edge companies are leveraging Wibu-Systems' revolutionary CodeMeter technology to achieve unparalleled levels of software protection, licensing efficiency, and security. Each 90-minute tour will highlight real-world applications and success stories, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the company’s solutions.

At its exhibit, Wibu-Systems is also unveiling a range of groundbreaking products that further cement its position as an innovator in the cybersecurity and software licensing arena. The integration of CodeMeter licensing solutions into containerized environments like Kubernetes and Docker marks a significant advancement in software protection and licensing adaptability. With dynamic management, scalability, flexibility, and robust security mechanisms, CodeMeter sets a new benchmark for license enforcement in containerized deployments. This solution is emblematic of Wibu-Systems' ongoing effort to address the evolving needs of the software industry, ensuring that licensing enforcement is seamless and secure in the face of technological advancements.

CodeMeter License Portal and CodeMeter Cloud are two additional pillars of Wibu-Systems' product showcase at Hannover Messe. The License Portal simplifies the license creation and management process, offering businesses a user-friendly interface to generate and customize licenses to meet their specific needs. This platform embodies Wibu-Systems' dedication to making software licensing more accessible and manageable for businesses of all sizes. On the other hand, CodeMeter Cloud represents a leap forward in licensing flexibility and scalability. By facilitating the migration of licensing operations to the cloud, this solution eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure, thereby streamlining the licensing process and enabling businesses to adapt more quickly to market changes.

Wibu-Systems also introduces enhanced software protection with CodeMeter AxProtector for .NET 8 and AxProtector Compile Time Protection (CTP). The support for .NET 8 with CodeMeter AxProtector underscores Wibu-Systems' commitment to keeping pace with the latest developments in software development frameworks, providing developers with the tools they need to protect their .NET applications efficiently. AxProtector CTP offers a unique approach to software protection, combining licensing and obfuscation to deliver protection levels that rival encryption-based tools. This method ensures that applications are secured against reverse engineering attacks, further demonstrating Wibu-Systems' expertise in developing innovative solutions to meet the industry's security challenges.

The Hannover Messe also serves as a platform for Wibu-Systems to delve into current hot issues through two insightful lectures. Dr. Carmen Kempka, the company’s Corporate Technology Director, will explore the vulnerabilities within the machine learning lifecycle and propose comprehensive strategies to secure these systems against IT threats. This presentation, which will be held in Hall 8, booth D17, on April 24 at 1:50 pm, highlights the critical importance of safeguarding intellectual property and sensitive training data in the era of AI and machine learning. In another lecture taking place in Hall 16, booth A12/24, on April 26, at 11 am, Stefan Bamberg, Sales & KAM Director, will discuss the license lifecycle, emphasizing the balance between IP protection and monetization. This talk underscores the dynamic nature of software licensing and its critical role in enabling flexible business models while protecting knowledge and data from unauthorized access.

Wibu-Systems is set to return to Embedded World, scheduled for April 9-11, and will share an exhibition space with OSADL – the Open Source Automation Development Lab, at hall 4, booth 168. In its area, Wibu-Systems, recognized for its leadership in IP protection, licensing, and security solutions, will present a variety of innovations. Alongside its research and solution partners, the showcase will span from trusted digital identities for the lifecycle of electronic components, to memory cards augmented with software protection and monetization capabilities, and a demonstration of the Flagship Store for the OI4 Community by Hilscher, secured with CodeMeter, Wibu-Systems’ flagship technology.

Trusted Digital Identities

In the current environment, characterized by rising cyber-threats and challenges to the supply chain, the importance of establishing trust cannot be overstated, particularly in situations where direct oversight is impractical. Over the last three years, Wibu-Systems has spearheaded the VE-ASCOT research initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research in collaboration with prominent partners such as Siemens, Infineon Technologies, Schölly Fiberoptic, Revisionone, the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT, Kastel Security Research Labs at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and Bielefeld University. This consortium has dedicated its efforts to advancing data security within embedded systems, pinpointing vulnerabilities, and developing comprehensive security frameworks, thereby paving the way for the next generation of secure and robust embedded technologies.

The innovative Chains of Trust security framework developed as a result of the research meticulously records the production, commissioning, and specific traits of electronic components through cryptographic means. This approach is instrumental in identifying and mitigating instances of tampering, anomalies, and counterfeiting. By integrating its CodeMeter hardware technology, Wibu-Systems offers concrete evidence of component integrity, facilitates remote attestation, and ensures ongoing validation of component trustworthiness. Representatives from the research collaboration will be present for on-site demonstrations, offering insights into the practical application of this groundbreaking solution.

Trusted IP

As the ubiquity of software in our lives continues to grow, the imperative to protect embedded intellectual property (IP) solidifies as a foundational concern for businesses. Wibu-Systems introduces CmReady, a groundbreaking approach that redefines the landscape of software protection and licensing management for memory card vendors and their customers. Through CmReady certification, memory cards are transformed into secure software licensing containers, providing developers of embedded software and IoT devices with a streamlined and cost-effective solution for licensing. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, CmReady delivers unmatched security and mobility.

Employing the distinctive Hardware ID (UID) of each memory card, along with secure, monotonically increasing counters to prevent replay attacks, this state-of-the-art technology flawlessly integrates Data Protection memory cards from Swissbit with Wibu-Systems’ comprehensive CodeMeter licensing framework. This ensures full support for both Windows and Linux operating systems across a broad spectrum of Intel and ARM architectures. CmReady-certified memory cards guarantee compatibility with CodeMeter Runtime and CodeMeter Embedded, essential for the operation of protected applications across an extensive range of desktop and embedded platforms, thereby establishing a new benchmark for secure and adaptable software deployment.

Trusted Apps

As the wave of digitalization continues to sweep across industries, digital marketplaces dedicated to industrial applications are increasingly in the spotlight. Hilscher has pioneered the Flagship Store for the OI4 Community, creating a nexus where open standards and tools from various solution partners come together to drive the digital transformation of automation projects with unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. This Store marks the beginning of a new chapter, offering a secure and standardized environment that transforms the way applications are published, integrated, and managed.

Leveraging the power of Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology, the company plays a pivotal role in shaping this emerging ecosystem by providing a solid foundation that ensures security, openness, and full interoperability. This initiative is transformative, benefiting not only the visionaries behind this novel marketplace but also empowering developers ready to engage with the platform. With their Docker applications containerized, developers can anticipate enhanced protection and readiness for licensing through a diverse range of models. This development signifies a profound step towards the secure and profitable deployment of software, redefining the industrial sector's path to digitalization and security.

Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales & KAM at Wibu-Systems, can’t wait to meet with the show visitors: “Our presence at Embedded World 2024 is more than just a showcase; it's a testament to Wibu-Systems' unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity. Through our collaborative efforts and technological innovations, we're not only protecting digital assets but also paving the way for a future where trust and security are intrinsic to every digital interaction. Together, we're setting new standards for the cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that every digital step forward is a step toward a safer digital world.”

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in the software licensing and protection industry, announced that Intelligence on Wheels (IoW), an offshoot of Germany’s aerospace pioneers DLR, has integrated CodeMeter technology into its TrainCAS collision warning system to prevent cyber-attacks, protect IP, and provide a secure licensing solution. With a three-prong approach, TrainCAS brings together train-to-train communication, accurate self-localization, and situation analysis and decision support systems to empower rail operators and their staff on the ground to keep their trains running routinely and safely or to make quick, but well-informed decisions to avoid impending collisions. CodeMeter from Wibu-Systems provides proven cryptographic security-by-design and licensing solutions for protecting critical infrastructure against cyber-security threats.

Rolling stock collisions are among the rarest, but also the most catastrophic accidents and disasters in modern rail operations. Unlike the more common accidents, such as collisions with road vehicles at crossings or other objects on the track or technical failures that can be easily identified, train-on-train collisions can come down to a vast variety of factors, from human error to hardware or software malfunction. Furthermore, rail operators must contend with a mix of modern, interconnected rail operating systems and tracks and a vast variety of rolling stock on their lines at the same time.

First and foremost, the TrainCAS collision warning system is designed to help save the lives of rail passengers. The system comprises a combination of sophisticated hardware, software, and data that not only has to be protected against threats from hackers or other malicious actors for safe and secure rail travel purposes, but also against undue attention and exploitation by competitors, less ethical users, or simply overly curious third parties. In the railroad industry, a model of robust engineering and regulatory oversight, solutions for safeguarding intellectual property and software license management must navigate the technical landscape and stringent mandates, especially considering the sector’s key role in today’s mass mobility infrastructure.

The sophisticated technologies built into IoW’s TrainCAS system and the potential for criminal misuse make security and IP protection a paramount concern for the company. IoW turned to Wibu-Systems for its award-winning CodeMeter technology to encrypt and license its software and provide the hardware-based cryptographic security components to be built into the TrainCAS onboard technology in the field.

CodeMeter hardware was adapted to a rugged and tamper proof hardware solution to safeguard license repositories and provide safe havens for executing the crypto code during runtime for added protection against hackers. The TrainCAS software and the constituent trackmaps that enable the exceptionally reliable situation detection are secured by a combination of CodeMeter AxProtector and Core API tools chosen specifically to match the mixed embedded systems used by Intelligence on Wheels. This prevents both unauthorized use by unlicensed users and tampering, intentional or unintentional, by people trying to manipulate the system.

Dr. Thomas Strang, CEO, Intelligence on Wheels GmbH, noted: “For us, security-for-safety has two meanings: protecting the IP that makes our business possible and protecting trains out on the tracks against cyber-attacks. Working with our likeminded partners at Wibu-Systems was a pleasure, and holding the CodeMeter hardware in my hands gives me the same feeling of reassurance I get when I see our TrainCAS systems in action.”

Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales & KAM, WIBU-SYSTEMS AG added: “For its principle of “security-for-safety“, Intelligence on Wheels places equal emphasis on the reliability of its safety systems as it does on the security of its IP and the system’s protection from tampering and sabotage. That’s why CodeMeter was the perfect solution to not only protect human lives from tragic rail collisions, but to protect IP and keep IoW’s competitive advantage intact.”

This Press Release is only available in German.

Wibu-Systems, a global leader in the software licensing and protection industry, announced that ETM professional control, the developer of SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture, has chosen to implement Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter solution for protecting and licensing its software. WinCC OA is a flexible and scalable SCADA framework, designed for controlling large-scale applications in a variety of industrial and public and private infrastructural sectors. CodeMeter is Wibu-Systems’ flagship security suite of interoperable modules geared towards safeguarding software against piracy, reverse engineering, tampering, and cyberattacks.

WinCC OA software is at the core of some of the most intricate SCADA systems, operated remotely and distributed globally. Its open architecture easily adapts to the adoption of new technologies. With the rapid advent of cloud systems and modern environments like Docker containers or cloud clusters, the need for open and flexible software that is robust enough to protect the integrity and security of WinCC OA, especially for distributed, decentralized connected components, is paramount.

In a global economy where business models and regulatory requirements are constantly evolving, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. The combination of CodeMeter and WinCC OA software allows for the implementation of uniform protection and a fully aligned licensing system across all platforms, from ARM to x86 and from native systems like Windows and Linux to mobile and web interfaces. CodeMeter's agility in ensuring secure licenses in distributed and decentralized configurations offers added value, enabling users to easily handle license upgrades, add or remove features, and scale their WinCC OA projects up or down without having to interact with an ETM representative.

The synergy between ETM and Wibu-Systems serves as a guarantee for growth and adaptability over time, making the WinCC OA software solution resistant to technological changes and possible disruptions. This resilience, combined with the software's ability to handle both standard workflows and specific customer requests, significantly contributes to its continued success and customer satisfaction.

Dr. Bernhard Reichl, CEO of ETM professional control, said: “Using CodeMeter for license generation and protection of our SCADA product SIMATIC WinCC OA enables us to expand our global business together with our partners. With CodeMeter, not only are we protected against unauthorized usage, but the technology of Wibu-Systems also secures the valuable know-how of our integration partners’ solutions.”

Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management of Wibu-Systems, added: “We recognize the value of flexibility, particularly for SCADA projects requiring a high degree of client-specific adaptability or imposed by specific system requirements and functions, like those found in energy, oil & gas, and building automation industries. CodeMeter's ability to ensure secure licenses in distributed and decentralized configurations offers a distinct advantage, giving users unprecedented versatility in managing their licenses.”