IBM PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor

IBM has created two toolkits you can use to create or extend the application program that performs within the Coprocessor. Such application programs operate within segment three of Coprocessor memory and can take full advantage of the CP/Q++ embedded operating system to perform security-sensitive tasks and/or to perform cryptographic operations.

• The Custom Software Development Toolkit for the IBM PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor ("basic toolkit") enables you to create entirely new applications for the Coprocessor.
• The CCA User Extensions Software Development Toolkit for the IBM PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor ("UDX toolkit") enables you to extend the functionality of IBM's CCA application program.

  These toolkits are not offered as products. Rather, they are available as part of a services offering on a custom contract. Such contracts normally provide education on preparing programs to operate within the Coprocessor, copies of both toolkits, follow-up support, and assignment of a unique identifier for your code and certification of your code-signing keys. The contracts often provide consultation to hasten your application development, and sometimes provide for an initial development by IBM. IBM is also able to bid on developing your custom solution or extension.

  Note: The basic toolkit is also available on AlphaWorks for experimental, non-commercial use. There is no support for this toolkit.

  Availability of the toolkits is subject to the export regulations of the United States Government, and in some cases the import regulations of other countries. At the present time, IBM is generally able to export the toolkits to customers within the European Union, and to customers in these additional countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. Other potential customers should submit an inquiry through our Comments and Questions form (see below).

  Applications created or extended with the toolkits also may be subject to the export regulations of the United States Government, and in some cases to the import regulations of other nations.

  The basic toolkit enables you to create entirely new applications for the Coprocessor. The UDX toolkit enables you to extend the capabilities of IBM's CCA Support Program when used in conjunction with the basic toolkit. Your Coprocessor application code is compiled and linked using either the IBM VisualAge C++ or Microsoft C++ tools. The basic toolkit also provides a source-level debugger very similar to that provided with the VisualAge C++ tools for examining your code as it perform within the Coprocessor.

  To gain a further understanding of the toolkits and how applications are developed, review these Coprocessor publications that you can download from the library page:

  • General Information Manual
  • Custom Software Developer's Toolkit
  • Custom Software Interface Reference

    and for those who will extend CCA, these additional publications:

    • CCA User-Defined Extensions Guide and Reference
    • CCA Basic Services

If you wish to inquire further about the toolkits, please contact the Crypto team.

If you wish to inquire further about a UDX for a PCI Cryptographic Coprocessor, please contact one of the following IBM representatives:

Leo Moesgarrd (Leo.moesgaard@dk.ibm.com)
David Evans (Davee@us.ibm.com)