SSI has anticipated the fact that many software manufacturers will desire strong file wrapping technology in conjunction with CD copy protection. A file wrapper serves to protect the actual code of an application from being stripped out, reproduced, and redistributed outside of the original protection employed. In this regard, SSI has developed a strong strategic partnership with Xtreamlok. Xtreamlok’s xLok is a best-of-breed file wrapper product and has been developed to integrate SSI’s copy protection validation software. This relationship is mutually beneficial as file wrapping technology alone does not prevent CD copying and redistribution. Layering the security of XtreamLok’s industry leading file wrapper around SSI’s universally machine-compatible copy protection technology affords software manufacturers an ideal blend of two complimentary and necessary parts to a comprehensive media-only anti-piracy solution.
As widely distributed software titles require the production of up to 3,000,000 application CDs, it is of paramount importance that the copy protection technology be replicatable. The process of CD replication provides for a replication house to create an initial glass product master. This glass master is then used as a template from which large quantities of product CDs can be efficiently stamped. Through a strategic alliance with Eastman Kodak Company, SSI has confirmed the professional replicatability of SSI’s media manipulation, ensuring the production viability of the technology. In addition, through a strategic alliance with Optical Disc Corporation, SSI has developed a software-only replication management solution for SmarteCD copy protection technology. This makes SmarteCD easier to implement, from a professional replication standpoint, than competitive solutions, which require specialized hardware to manage the replication of their CD media-based copy protection solutions. These facts ensure that software manufacturers have the ability to continue to use the replication facilities of their choice, while lowering the cost and reducing the resources necessary to conduct efficient replication. SSI simply has to license the replication house to use SSI technology and provide the necessary process knowledge.
