Banking trust network Identrus has announced the availability of SimpleSign, a packaged solution developed in conjunction with Adobe Systems to create legally binding electronic documents using digital signatures and Acrobat PDF files.
SimpleSign applies Identrus digital credentials to Adobe Acrobat 6.0 publishing software to create tamper-resistant online forms such as mortgage and loan applications and secure document workflows requiring multiple digital signatures. The digital signature appears inside the PDF, similar to a traditional pen-and-ink signature.
Identrus has been conducting a SimpleSign pilot programme in partnership with the American Bankers Association and Wells Fargo for financial institutions within the United States. A separate pilot of the technology for banks outside the US is under development.
The SimpleSign software is one of a package of shrink-wrapped applications under development at Identrus. The bank-backed network is attempting to build a portfolio of ready-to-use software applications in an effort to kick start the moribund PKI market. As part of this, the company moved in the autumn to suspend user fees for its 54 banking members for the next two years.