ISO/IEC 19770-2 Software Identification Tags Are a Reality!

The ISO/IEC 19770-2 standard defining software identification tags received 100% unanimous approval to become a published international standard. There is no longer a reason for software publishers to allow software to be released in a manner that makes it difficult for software purchasing organizations to properly identify what is installed in their environment. The document will go through the final ISO editorial review, but the technical definitions are complete and locked down. The XSD as published on the ISO web site is the final version that will be used for software identification tags that conform to the 19770-2 standard. It is expected that the publication of the standard will occur before the end of 2009.

WG21 passed a resolution that recognized a number of the individuals involved with the development of this standard. The text of that resolution was graciously provided by the convener of WG21 for reference.

As the standard progressed through its development phases, TagVault.org created a utility that can be used to create, verify and digitally sign software identification tags that conform to the final version of the 19770-2 standard. The utility is going through the QA process and will be available to all TagVault.org members with paid memberships. The tool may be used to create and/or modify software identification tags.   More information on the TagVault.org tag creation and signing utility is available.
TagVault.org has also defined additional criteria that software publishers must follow in order to create TagVault.org certified tags. These additional criteria ensure that certified tags will be consistent and normalized in SAM tool reports and ensures that a true cross-platform, cross-vendor, cross-product software identification approach is applied. This benefits all members of the SAM ecosystem. 
As a non-profit organization, TagVault.org is committed to providing information, tools and support for all SAM ecosystems to implement software tags in the least expensive, most consistent and fastest manner possible. Paid memberships in the TagVault.org program receive:
  • Access to the tag creation and signing utility
  • Access to the TagVault.org certification requirements
  • Software publishers receive rights to have their tags certified
  • More tools, services and support
  • Source code for tools and submitted code from other members
TagVault.org is available to help tags get implemented in the SAM eco-system today!