SignPath Foundation vs SignServer

SignPath Foundation provides code-signing certificates to eligible open-source projects, with signing carried out through SignPath.io. For each release, SignPath.io checks that signed files are automated builds from the project’s stated source repository. Certificate private keys are generated and stored on a hardware security module. Each signing request requires a team member’s approval, and every release requires manual approval. Projects must assign author, reviewer, and approver responsibilities, while all team members must use multi-factor authentication for SignPath and repository access. Eligibility requires an actively maintained project with an existing release, an OSI-approved open-source license, and no proprietary code or malware. Supported build systems include Jenkins, GitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps, TeamCity, and AppVeyor. Supported targets span Windows executables and scripts, MSI, CAB, AppX/MSIX, NuGet, Java archives, Android packages, RPM and Debian packages, Office macros, XML, JSON, OCI container images, ClickOnce, and other files. The free plan is free for eligible projects. Its certificate identifies SignPath Foundation as publisher, and the Foundation may decline applications.

SignServer is a server-side platform that centrally manages signing keys and digitally signs code, documents, and timestamps. One installation can serve several signing workflows, including containers, firmware, IoT, and DevOps use cases. It can connect to CI/CD pipelines, firmware build processes, document workflow engines, identity platforms, and other applications through standard interfaces. Community is available as a Docker container, Helm chart, source code, or GitHub release, and is also listed on SourceForge. Its interfaces include SOAP, HTTP, REST, and the SignClient command-line interface, though Community REST lacks some endpoints. Community is released under LGPL V2.1 or later and is intended for learning, testing, and prototyping rather than production. The maker says it lacks production capabilities such as audit, compliance, SLA, high availability, and security features. Enterprise adds professional support with an SLA, security updates, and maintenance. The Community plan is free; the Enterprise Cloud trial is free for 30 days through AWS or Azure marketplaces. The maker recommends Hardware Security Modules for signing-key storage.