In this article we will showcase how a customised version of XLSafe PRO was used to protect and distribute a very sensitive Excel model in the construction industry to various clients.
The particular client’s requirements were as follows:
Authorised Employees
- Authorised employees who will have access to the spreadsheet will need to install a customised version of the XLSafe PRO application on their machines with a one-off activation process.
- The application can be installed to an unlimited number of machines with no additional costs incurred.
- Authorised employees will be able to access the Model stored on a company server with a customised protection interface being applicable to them.
- Authorised Employees will not have to go through the activation process every time they want to access the spreadsheet.
- Authorised Employees will not be able to make or use duplicate copies of the spreadsheet stored on the server.
- A time limit for accessing the spreadsheet cannot be set for authorised employees.
- Simultaneous changes to the spreadsheet are not allowed (I.e. the spreadsheet cannot be operated in shared mode).
External Clients
- The Model stored on the online server can be send to external clients as it is.
- The “XLSafe PRO” interface will recognise unauthorised machines and lock the spreadsheet down.
- The client will need to obtain an activation key from the license administrator in order to obtain access to the contents of the file.
- When the client obtains authorisation, the spreadsheet structure/formulae will be protected. The client will not be allowed to transfer or use the spreadsheet with other PCs.
- The activation is required only once per each spreadsheet per each machine – no exceptions given.
- A time limit can be set either in the form of a set expiry date and/or a subscription period after activation. When the time limit is exceeded the client will need to obtain a new activation key to renew the subscription period.
Compatibility
The protected spreadsheet will be compatible with all Windows versions after 2000 with a Microsoft Excel version 2000-2010.
Compatibility with any other operating systems is not supported.
Security Application
The client’s model was sent to DataSafeXL and we applied a customised version of our security interface “XLSafe PRO” to the model. We also applied additional features requested by the client at a later stage such as different printing rights for each sheet and for different users.
If you have a complex model which requires advanced protection, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
