Who is the Client

A US-based manufacturer of semiconductor processing equipment used in silicon wafer processing, with an annual sale of approx. $10B.

The Challenge

The client was using Next Labs, a third-party solution integrated with SharePoint, to protect their intellectual property-level documents by deploying controls over access and usage, even after distribution. These controls include enabling/disabling access to viewing, printing, copying, and modifying the document’s content and screen captures. However, the solution was not performing as per the client's expectations. The use of a third-party solution could not provide adequate protection and support for popular MS SharePoint file extensions. The client wanted to migrate to a solution that could offer better collaboration and security.

The file formats that required protection include PDF, Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio), and CAD formats (NX, ProE, RH). It was mandatory for the authorized users, including the client’s vendors and customers, to open, edit, and protect/un-protect the documents. The client faced another challenge with respect to their online and offline tracking and reporting of the changes made to the protected documents.

The Solution

After conducting an initial feasibility analysis, the GSPANN team proposed the integration of Seclore with SharePoint. We developed a custom solution to protect the document during file upload in SharePoint using Seclore API. We performed multiple quality checks to ensure that Seclore performed as per the client’s expectations.

The solution allows the users work on a document while they are offline using the Seclore Lite, the client’s desktop application, which authenticates a user with Active Directory before they start working with the documents. SharePoint document permissions are mapped to Seclore permissions and a user access on documents is controlled through Seclore policies.

The solution restricts a user from copying document content and hides the protected documents' content during screen sharing. The files can be viewed online in a browser using the ‘Seclore online viewer’ feature. The solution also generates audit reports to track action taken by the users on a document.

Automated protection of documents saves a lot of manual effort that was previously involved in the process. It also reduced the number of issues related to document protection. More than 2500 users, both internal and external, are using the solution seamlessly and can apply user-based permissions.

Business Impact

  • Automated encryption of files uploaded on SharePoint; no manual intervention is required.
  • User-based permissions to view/edit documents for better control.
  • Secure offline editing of the documents.

Technologies Used

SharePoint 2013. A web-based collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office and empowers teamwork with dynamic and productive team sites
Seclore. A digital rights management solution that enables organizations to control the usage of files both within and outside of organizations’ boundaries
C#. A general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language encompassing static typing, strong typing, and other programming disciplines
MS SQL Server. A relational database management system that stores and retrieves data as requested by other software applications
Visual Studio 2012. An integrated development environment used to develop computer programs, as well as websites, web apps, web services, and mobile apps

Related Capabilities

Optimize Business Operations by Eliminating Inefficiencies and Redundancies with High-Quality Apps

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