Vacation rentals and digital signatures

When we evaluated, and eventually chose RightSignature as our digital signature solutions provider, we had several objectives in mind that had to be met.  After reviewing about 10 different firms, it became very apparent that for our needs, RightSignature.com had a solution that met all the requirements.

Does it seal documents with a unique “fingerprint”?
Many programs, such as Microsoft Word, allow users to add an electronicsignature to a document. But as long as these documents can be altered without changing the signature, the document isn’t truly sealed. A secure digital signature solution seals documents with a tamperproof digital “fingerprint” unique to both the signer and the document; any changes whatsoever immediately—and visibly—invalidate the signature.

Can it support multiple applications across the organization?
Solutions for Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat® are common. But to facilitate movement through your workflows, your digital signature system must work with numerous applications, including popular office apps such as Microsoft Word, Excel®, PDF and AutoCAD®. In addition, the technology should support signatures in document management and workflow systems such as Microsoft SharePoint.

Will it let you see a graphical signature?
In electronic documents, the real security is provided by the underlying technology. But what we actually see is a visually convenient way of recognizing identification. Look for  igital signature solutions that allow you to apply and see a graphical representation of the traditional “wet” signature.

Can it record more than one signature?
Many of the most important documents, like contracts, require more than one signature. Yet some electronic systems have no means for accommodating more than one valid signature per document. The right solution allows more than one person to sign in more than one place while maintaining the validity of the document.

Does it comply with all legal requirements?

If the signature doesn’t stand up in court, it can’t meet your business standards. Your solution must meet the following basic requirements:

• Authenticity: the signature is uniquely linked to the signer
• Integrity: any tampering to the document can be detected
• Enforceability: signatures must be verifiable by all parties
• non-refutability: the signature cannot be denied or disavowed can it be verified anytime, anywhere, by anyone?

You’ve assigned your signature with your system. But will the receiving party be able to verify it without installing the same digital signature software? An effective solution allows recipients to see and verify unaltered signatures with the ordinary document software, such as Microsoft Word or Abobe Acrobat, they already have.

Is it simple to use?
A “wet” signature requires pen and paper—simple. But a digital signature system that insists on multi-step, wizard-like processes is anything but simple. The acid test? The right solution should take no more than 10 seconds or 1-2 mouse clicks to ensure that a document is signed, sealed and legally compliant.

Does it have a low total cost of ownership?
Look under the hood for hidden costs: complex software installations, additional staffing requirements, help desk demands, registration and/or renewal fees for digital certificates, and more. The digital signature solution you want should solve problems, not impose new costs.