1. RiserTec Implements Sentinel HASP to
Protect Valuable Intellectual Property,
Built Upon One of the Most Widely Used
Engineering Software Platforms Today.
Case study
The SafeNet Professional Services Team delivered a custom HASP HL solution built to protect valuable RiserTec algorithms and
enable sales of several different worksheet models, each licensed differently.
RiserTec is an independent engineering consultancy and training firm that specializes in the analysis and design of off-shore oil
and gas production facilities. Integral to its business are the specialized worksheets they have developed over many years to
undertake a wide range of engineering calculations associated with pipeline and riser systems.
Background
It was through their consultancy work, that RiserTec’s software unit was Challenge
born. Over the years, the company has developed an extensive library of Protect the company’s specialized and highly valuable engineering
proprietary mathematical worksheets in house for use in their consulting calculations and algorithms, without hindering customer experience.
business. These worksheets, built upon a leading engineering calculation
platform, contain proprietary engineering formulas which are extremely solution
specific and exceptionally valuable to RiserTec as well as many other A secure communication channel between the HASP HL key and the
companies within the off-shore oil and gas industry. application offers powerful resistance to “man-in-the-middle” and
The more specialized these worksheets are, the less input is required bruteforce attacks. Utilizing SafeNet’s Professional Service Team,
from the end user. Therefore, the level of expertise needed to run the RiserTec can now sell several different worksheet models, each
programs is minimal. RiserTec’s customers can confidently run these licensed differently.
simulations in the field to protect their investment. These simulations
reduce error, reassuring that end-user equipment remains undamaged Results
and performs correctly. RiserTec appreciates the robust protection, flexibility and ease of use
that HASP offers. Moving forward they are now in a position to easily
implement other HASP features such as the report generator and
trialware.
RiserTec Case Study 1

2. Business Challenge the Implementation
There was a serious concern that the engineering calculations on RiserTec sells several different worksheet models and each needed to
these worksheets might be illegally copied and used fraudulently. Once be licensed differently. SafeNet’s Professional Services Team was able
created, the calculations can be easily manipulated and modified for to develop code tailored around the organization’s needs. All models
other uses, in a fraction of the time it would take to start from scratch. use the same DLL to verify that the module is licensed to run, so their
Something had to be put in place to prevent third parties and departing end-user customers can use the same key to license any combination of
employees from potentially walking off with the intellectual property models. Conversely, models not paid for, cannot be accessed.
contained in the RiserTec worksheets and using it at a competing firm.
the Results
Also, due to the nature of the industry, the customers who were
Since deploying, RiserTec appreciates the robust protection and
purchasing these worksheets needed to be able to transport and use
flexibility HASP offers. Intellectual property in the form of complex
the protected software, off-shore, on a laptop. “To my knowledge,
engineering calculations dating back 30 years is now protected against
there had been no previous attempts at trying to protect this
internal influences and external competitors.
worksheet software, but I needed a way to protect a lifetime of
developed algorithms,” said Dr. John Shanks, senior consultant at “Knowing what you have invested and being able to
RiserTec. Something had to be done.
document a steady revenue stream is a major asset
the Journey to any organization. Get engineering calculations
RiserTec first looked at developing a system, in-house, to protect their under control from the beginning and the system
intellectual property investment. Rather quickly, RiserTec realized
will grow naturally within your company, it will
the specialized level of technical expertise required to implement a
software license enforcement and protection solution and decided to always be under control”
outsource the job. -dr. John shanks, senior consultant at Risertec.
RiserTec wanted a security solution that was transparent to the end Sentinel HASP HL is also keeping RiserTec’s customers happy. The keys
user, easy to use, cost effective, and offered portability for those are easy to use; RiserTec is able to vary implementation of the product
occasions when the worksheet software would be used on ships in features to fit their specific needs. Plus they represent and reinforce
the field. Dr. Shanks and other RiserTec employees had first-hand that RiserTec is securing the license and intellectual property in the
experience with the successes of Sentinel HASP, through other programs software product their customers’ have purchased.
with previous employers.
According to Dr. Shanks, “Sentinel HASP puts RiserTec in a great position
Familiarity with Sentinel HASP and knowledge that other enterprise for the future. Moving forward, we can easily implement other HASP
companies were using it provided a great vote of confidence. “When I features such as the report generator and trialware. These additional
look at the HASP system, I see a lot of engineering software that is features could provide additional customer insight and tracking while
being protected by that system. Oil and gas is a conservative industry introducing software-based protection and license deployment.”
and we prefer to buy from firms with field experience and proven
results,” stated Dr. Shanks. about safeNet
Founded in 1983, SafeNet is a global leader in information security.
SafeNet protects its customers’ most valuable assets, including
identities, transactions, communications, data and software licensing,
the solution
throughout the data lifecycle. More than 25,000 customers across
RiserTec chose Sentinel HASP HL keys to protect their worksheets.
both commercial enterprises and government agencies and in over 100
The hardware keys were chosen for their ease of use and portability.
countries trust their information security needs to SafeNet.
Internally, the key sits on the server and is invisible to employees.
However, visibility kicks in if they try to run the protected worksheet on
about Risertec
another server.
RiserTec is an independent Engineering Design Consultancy based in
Since RiserTec’s customers need to be able to run the software off- Aberdeen, UK specialising in Riser and Subsea Engineering for a wide
shore on a work vessel, the transportable HASP USB keys are the ideal range of international clients.
choice. The time-based licensing feature of Sentinel HASP also makes
RiserTec was formed in October 2003 with the objective of providing
it possible for RiserTec to stipulate a specific timeframe for their
technically advanced engineering analysis and design solutions
software licenses and charge accordingly.
coupled with extensive and practical project based experience. For
more information, visit: www.risertec.com.
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RiserTec Case Study 2