Thales Information Systems Security (ISS) is a world leading provider of information and communications security solutions. Thales engaged Softwire to deliver a powerful single sign-on solution (SSO) for their existing SafeSign product suite and the UK local government market, to a tight deadline.
Softwire provided a range of services covering the full project lifecycle:
- Initial specification refinement consultancy to formalise Thales’ vision for the product, and incorporate the specific needs of potential clients.
- Development, conducted in an Agile manner. Softwire made regular releases which were reviewed by Thales, and used to guide development priorities and adapt to emerging requirements.
- Comprehensive documentation; for users, integrators and developers.
- Code handover, including a full codebase walkthrough.
- Provision of interactive training workshops for the ISS professional services team.
The SSO gateway was architected as a central login gateway and administrator interface, supported by desktop, web and VPN clients to handle login integration with existing systems. Technologies and standards used included Java, Struts2, Hibernate, Tomcat, InstallAnywhere (targeting Windows and Linux) and SAML2 (security communications protocol).
The range of cryptographic functions required (e.g. one-time-password verifications, challenge-response verification, XML signing) was provided by integrating with SafeSign Authentication Server via a bespoke API.
The system was tested exhaustively, via continuous unit testing (via FitNesse, JUnit and EasyB), end of sprint system testing, a thorough UAT period conducted by Thales, and penetration testing carried out externally.
The end result was a well-featured, robust, flexible, extensible and well documented product, produced on time and within budget, ready to be packaged and sold as part of the SafeSign product suite.
Customer testimonial
“We were very satisfied with the service delivered by Softwire. We had a critical set of requirements that demanded a very time sensitive delivery. We also needed them to be flexible enough to address changes in development priorities without missing the overall project delivery date.
They offered a highly communicative team that kept us fully informed every step of the way. They also offered constructive and innovative approaches to addressing development and project challenges throughout. The end result was a brand new product to add to our SafeSign portfolio, delivered on time and to budget. We would definitely recommend them.”
Emma Harrington, Global Product Manager. Thales ISS, Identity Security.
Spring Digital