Software Developers

As momentum for Domain Name System Security Extension (DNSSEC) builds, so do the opportunities to create customer value with new or enhanced software products. Verisign can help you set a strategy for integrating DNSSEC capabilities into software. Find out what DNSSEC means for you, steps you can take to support the success of DNSSEC and how the Verisign DNSSEC Interoperability Lab can help you understand your software’s behaviour in a DNSSEC-enabled environment.

Why Act Now

As DNSSEC adoption gains momentum, registrars, ISPs, end users and other participants in the Internet ecosystem will increasingly need applications that support a DNSSEC-enabled environment.

Collectively, these entities represent a significant market opportunity for software developers that move quickly to address this need. They also underscore the vital role that open source and commercial software developers play in the broadly successful deployment and adoption of DNSSEC.

An increasing number of DNSSEC software tools are already being developed and released. For example, BIND, the most popular DNS name server, supports DNSSEC.

Strategic planning, development and manufacturing cycles can take months or even years. Software vendors need to get started soon in order to have ample time to plan, develop, test and refine their products.

By acting now, software vendors can reinforce their reputation for leadership and innovation in Internet security, differentiate themselves from competitors and get an early foothold in the market for software that supports DNSSEC. As early adopters, they may also be able to influence the development of technical standards that support and benefit their business.

DNSSEC Benefits for Proactive Software Developers
DNSSEC is a key ingredient in a layered approach to Internet security. By moving quickly to support the success of DNSSEC globally, you can:

• Introduce upgrades and new products that are compatible with DNSSEC.
• Help build your brand and reputation.
• Maintain customer trust and loyalty.
• Increase Internet security for customers.
• Attract and retain security-focused customers.
• Protect your core business by enhancing trust in the Internet.
• Exert leadership and influence to shape the future of DNSSEC.

What’s Needed

The software products that run the DNS, as well as end-user applications such as browsers and email are integral to the Internet’s effective, innovative use. Registrars, ISPs and end users need solutions that incorporate DNSSEC capabilities into this software. By creating DNSSEC-aware products and developing tools to simplify DNSSEC management, you will help further the global adoption of DNSSEC.

Opportunities to create customer value exist at the DNS server operating system, client operating system and end-user application levels. For example, registrars, ISPs and web hosting services need solutions to simplify DNSSEC zone signing and key management. They also need a way to indicate DNSSEC validation to end users, perhaps by displaying a visual cue on web browsers.

As you address the needs of today’s Internet ecosystem and integrate DNSSEC capabilities into your products, we invite you to test them in our DNSSEC Interoperability Lab. The Lab will give you a quick but comprehensive view of how your software will interact in a DNSSEC-enabled environment.

Where to Start

Your development of DNSSEC tools and products is critical to the success of DNSSEC. Consider the following steps to get started. And be sure to bring your solutions into our DNSSEC Interoperability Lab, which is available free of charge, to test the compatibility of your software with DNSSEC behaviour.

Evaluate and Plan

• Review your existing products to understand their potential for DNSSEC-related upgrades.
• Understand how DNSSEC fits into your product development strategy.
• Establish a roadmap for developing products, upgrades, and enhancements that support DNSSEC.

Test
Use the Verisign DNSSEC Interoperability Lab to test the compatibility of your software with DNSSEC behaviour.

Explore and Educate

• Understand the benefits and challenges that your customers experience when they implement or use DNSSEC.
• Plan strategies to inform customers about the DNSSEC features of your products.
• Ensure that your IT and customer support staff receive training to handle DNSSEC-related issues.
• Work with industry consortiums, standards bodies and other software and hardware vendors to help develop solutions and approaches that meet the needs of your organisation.