Marketplace apps to be signed by VeriSign

Press Release: VeriSign, Inc. the trusted provider of Internet infrastructure for the networked world, has been selected by Microsoft Corp. to provide code signing services for applications distributed through Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Microsoft is relying on VeriSign® Code Signing Services to safeguard applications developed for Windows® phones. When a mobile application is signed with a VeriSign® Code Signing Certificate, it signals to Windows phone owners that the application comes from a trusted publisher. A code signing certificate serves as virtual "shrink wrap" for downloaded applications by applying a digital signature that is independently verified by VeriSign. A broken digital signature tells users that the application has been tampered with or modified, and protects them from hackers or malicious code.

"Code signing follows the best practices of software development, and helps to ensure that all Windows phone applications will install and run with the right privileges — and without limiting features or functionality," said Jason Lim, director of ISV and developer experience at Microsoft. "We protect applications with VeriSign Code Signing Certificates because only VeriSign offers the robustness and scale that a fast-growing applications store demands. This world-class, customizable code signing solution protects our investment in Windows Marketplace for Mobile, and gives us more ways to control the integrity and quality of the Windows phone experience."

Windows Marketplace offers people an easy way to find and purchase high-quality mobile applications for both work and play, while creating a new opportunity for developers to reach millions of people using Windows phones worldwide. In addition to an array of essential business applications, Windows phone owners can download applications for Facebook, MySpace, Netflix, Twikini, WunderRadio and ZAGAT, as well as leading game titles including Sudoku, "Guitar Hero World Tour" and the "PAC-MAN" series, all of which can be easily purchased and installed directly on a Windows phone. All purchased applications are certified by Microsoft to run on Windows phones and are backed by a simple return policy.

"Mobile apps call for the same kind of protections that PC applications have relied on for years, and that’s what VeriSign Code Signing Certificates offer to Windows phone app developers," said Michael Lin, vice president and general manager of SSL at VeriSign. "We’re delighted to serve as the code signing partner for Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Microsoft and the Windows phone development community can be assured that as the marketplace grows, VeriSign’s code signing platform will scale with it, providing the same reliable safeguards down the road as it does with every download today."

VeriSign’s role as code signing partner for Windows phone applications is the latest in a long history of collaboration with Microsoft. The companies recently announced plans for Microsoft to use proven VeriSign® Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates and VeriSign® Code Signing Certificates to safeguard cloud-based services and applications developed and deployed on the Windows® Azureâ„¢ platform.