let me clear up somethings here first.
Signed certs are designed specifically for the Symbian OS/platform, not for Nokia phones.
Any developer can write and release a software for the Symbian platform/phones, and it'll run on any Symbian device, in this case Nokia S60 phones. However, the Symbian OS only allows application that has been "signed" to run on the Symbian OS, or in this case, Nokia phones for "security" purposes. Nokia enforces this so that unsigned applications don't cause instability on the phone which they have to spend time and money to warranty and fix.
Read the FAQ below, sounds logical but what actually Symbian wants is to get payment for every application that the developer release and also for "quality control" so that bad developer don't tarnish the Symbian platform with unstable software. So if you're a poor or small developer and cannot fork out the money to have Symbian sign your application, you release it as an unsigned application. Besides that, because every signed application needs to go through Symbian, they will also screen through application and deny signing any application that will jeopardize their rice bowl, or cause security issues.
Also, it state that there is nothing wrong about self-signing you applications, but they strongly advise developers to go through the proper signing process to gain credibility and "faster route to market"
I strongly feel that finding out ways how to obtain developer certificate is valid and should be discussed as long as it does not involve any hacking elements. Instead it's something that spurs and develop the local Symbian developer community which is clearly lacking in Malaysia. Anyway, don't be mad if this topic is not allowed to discuss in LYN forums, as I believe that specific developer/technical forums would benefit developers more, but it'll be sad that other people will not be able contribute or learn in this matter. Also I feel that getting Opda certs is still within the threshold and not considered as hacking.
Q. Why has Symbian launched Symbian Signed?
A. Symbian Signed is designed to promote best practice in Symbian OS applications. Although existing signing schemes exist (for example, ones run by Operators, application publishers and phone manufacturers), Symbian has worked to produce a unified, standard program backed by the major players in the industry. Multiple programs result in fragmentation which in turn results in extra costs for the industry and a more complex and expensive route to market for software developers. The single Symbian Signed scheme is a credible alternative to multiple individual schemes, reducing the cost and complexity of getting applications to market.
Q. How much does it cost to get an application signed?
A. You will need to buy an Publisher ID from VeriSign (which costs $350) or from Trust Center (which costs $200). This will identify you as the source of an application and you will need this to sign any applications that you submit for testing. This allows the Test House to verify the application is (a) from you, and (b) has not been tampered with before it reaches them. Your own Publisher ID can be used to sign an unlimited number of applications, though you will need to renew it on annual basis.
So read up more here
https://www.symbiansigned.com/app/page/overview/faqQ. What is application signing?
A. Application signing is a way of adding a tamper-proof "digital signature" to a software application. It is an industry-standard technique and is used in phones containing Symbian OS to ensure that when an application is installed into the phone it is unchanged from when it was signed, proving that it has not been 'hacked' or maliciously altered. For Symbian Signed, a further condition of signing is that the originator's identity has been verified so signed applications can be tracked back to their source.
Q. What is Symbian Signed?
A. Symbian Signed is an industry-backed scheme allowing Symbian OS software developers to obtain a digital signature for their applications. In order to obtain such a signature, the company or individual responsible for the development of the application must be clearly identified and the application must pass certain tests. This allows the originator of the application to be traced should any problems occur in the future and ensures that the signed applications meet certain minimum standards.
Q. Do all Symbian OS applications need to go through Symbian Signed before they can be deployed to a phone?
A. Today, unsigned applications can also be installed on Symbian OS phones. However, some operators and distribution channels have indicated they will increasingly only distribute applications that have been Symbian Signed. As signing becomes easier and even more cost-effective, we expect that the market will move progressively to a model in which application signing is a normal part of the development process.
May 14 2009, 01:25 AM, updated 17y ago
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