A variety of cloud-based services have been established to take advantage of e-signing, adding various features that may make that service more appropriate for any particular type of usage. Cloud-based applications live on the Internet rather than on a local computer (cloud is really just another word for the Internet). The major advantage for users is that they can access those applications wherever they are, as long as an Internet connection is available. The users can choose to store the documents associated with those applications in the cloud too, and can access the equivalent of their working desktop wherever they are.
The following existing and acknowledged service providers are all web-based, or cloud-based.
DocuSign is a major provider to the real estate industry, and the official and exclusive electronic signature provider to the National Association of REALTORS©. This service allows agents to manage the entire transaction online securely with all participants. The program includes document collaboration designed to accelerate real estate transactions, so the parties can store, manage and share documents all in one location. DocuSign provides Level 3 security, the highest level.
Adobe EchoSign is similar to DocuSign, with some unique aspects. This provider emphasizes data protection and security procedures, also providing Level 3 security. Users are typically created by account administrators and must login with their email and password to gain access to the application. All data within the application is access controlled with a role-based model; the user must be a participant in the document, such as the sender or the signer, in order to view it or sign it. Customer account administrators can create, deactivate, and reactivate users in their accounts, create groups and move users between groups.
Sertifi is more basic than other providers. It focuses on providing its customers the ability to get sales agreements signed faster by automating the execution of contracts or agreements. It allows users to send, manage, and track agreements, as well as retrieve and report on signed agreements/signing events. Sertifi offers Level 3 security.
RightSignature is also a more basic provider, however, it offers navigation for the signer, pointing to locations where they need to fill in information, initial, or sign. This provider also allows for sequential signing in the event documents must be executed by one party before another. Every executed document includes a RightSignature Certificate with court-admissable validity data, including an audit log and each party's name, email, signature, IP address, and other identity information. This service provides Level 3 security.
Silanis markets itself as a government provider, and is currently being employed by both the Kansas and Louisiana Departments of Transportation (see section titled "Electronic Signature Studies and Use of Electronic/Digital Signatures by State DOTs" below). Other government agencies use this service for e-contracting, task orders, procurement contracts, licensing and permits for citizens and businesses, recruiting and on-boarding of personnel of employees, and human resource and personnel forms. This service cuts costs by going paperless and improves responsiveness to the public. Silanis offers the highest level of security, a Level 3.
The cost of each of these services is dependent on several factors, such as the type of license an Agency seeks and the number of users it estimates. This research study will include examinations of several different electronic delivery or signature verification methods that may be used to expedite or streamline ROW acquisition. An identification of the costs to develop, deploy, use and support an electronic delivery or signature verification method for a State DOT will also be developed.
