This will enable visually impaired users to read information in an easy manner using their own access technology such as screen readers, braille displays and enlarged viewing or print systems. Other security solutions considered apart from CopySmart were DigiBox from InterTrust inc. and Cryptolop from IBM, both based on secure envelopes, and CopyCat based on secure workstations. CopyCat totally links the user with a dedicated PC, it is therefore suitable for reading rooms only. Digibox and Cryptolop envelopes are more business oriented than copyright protection oriented. No local usage monitoring is made once the content is delivered to a user who has paid and cleared the rights to access the document.
Smart cards provide hardware based security.
Since the project has started other manufacturers have put on the market products confirming that the right approach was chosen . Let's compare three main types of security systems to answer this question. Either the user is bound to a dedicated computer or he or she has to carry the floppy diskette around in order to read documents on other PCs. The floppy disk as well as the hard disk can be tampered with. Anyone who gets or guesses the password can mimic the legitimate user.