W hit e Pape r
Six Reasons in Favor of the Combination Product
What makes the combination of flash memory and security technology on one device so special if all
security functions of CodeMeter are available without any flash memory at all? What are the benefits of
a combination product?
Lower costs: In economic terms, any reduction in the number of components is a reduction in admin costs.
Industrial-grade design: The productivity of devices increases the longevity of its components that operate
without errors or outages. CmDongles with flash memory are designed, produced, and prepped for
industrial applications. Their long life and long availability reduces the total cost of ownership and
increases profits.
Space: The smaller form factor allows the security functions to be included in very small-scale devices.
Upgradeability: The combination product can be used with new software to upgrade the security of
existing devices. Devices already in the field can be upgraded without any changes to their hardware, as
the standard form factors USB stick, microSD card, SD card, CF card, or CFast card cover the entire range
of common mobile flash memory solutions.
Versatility: Four special data partitions offer new opportunities for products and functions. These include
the secure storage of highly sensitive data on mobile devices, mobile software solutions, and increased
security for the entire solution.
Greater security: The close, built-in combination of smart card chip and flash memory adds to the security
of the design. Gambling machines, ATMs, or other devices that are targets for tampering and other
attacks can benefit from this unique quality.
Component Cost
5
4
Additional Benefits
3
Industrial Flash Memory + CmStick
Industrial
Qualification
Retail Flash Memory + CmStick
2
CmCards
1
CmStick/MC
Security
CmStick/MI
Space
0
poor
Power Consumption
1
2
3
fair
4
5
good
Upgradable in brownfield
Economy Matters: Logistics, Administration, Certification
How much revenue a manufacturer generates with a device can only be known once all costs have been
deducted. All costs incurred during the entire life of the device are known as the Total Cost of Ownership
(TCO). This includes the simple cost for the components as well as the spending on logistics, administration,
certification, repairs and servicing, replacements, training, maintenance or other lifecycle expenditures.
In a direct comparison, CmDongles with integrated SLC flash memory disk come at a higher upfront
price than other flash memory cards that typically employ MLC flash memory technology. Their economic
advantage lies in the reduced need for logistics, administration, and certification. Fewer parts means
lower admin costs. A single unit has to be procured, only one item introduced in the ERP system, and
only one component stored, monitored, or replaced. Components for industrial applications are typically
available for many years in identical formats. Firmware and internal electronics remain unchanged in
order to work reliably in all OEM applications. Another advantage is its long life for greater equipment
reliability. The dongle comes with a range of certifications to make the full certification of the embedded
device easier and cheaper. In a TCO calculation, the higher purchase price becomes a negligible factor.
5