All you need to know about software certification

Certification for your software ? Many publishers have already taken the plunge with their cash register software, accounting software and invoicing software. What are the advantages of certification for the publisher and for users? How do you go about getting your software certified?

appvizer takes a look at the concept of software certification to help you understand what it is, and what's at stake. At the end of the article, you'll find the list of NF Software certified software.

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What is software certification?

Definition

Certification is a procedure whereby a software publisher obtains proof of compliance with a quality standard. In general, certification authorises the use of a label, such as the NF label.

This attestation may be issued :

• by an independent certification body, such as AFNOR, Association Française de Normalisation, LNE, Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais or INFOCERT,
• or by the software publisher itself, which issues a certificate of compliance for its software.

Please note: approval procedures vary from one certification body to another.

The main characteristics certified are :

• functional capacity
• installation
• the functions present
• coherence,
• reliability
• ease of use.

Certificate or attestation: what's the difference?

If a publisher issues a certificate, this means that it has paid particular attention to compliance with standards in the design of its software. This is a guarantee of quality for software users.

However, beware of conflicts of interest: is the publisher objective enough to decide for itself that its software complies with a standard?

Certification bodies are independent and follow long and rigorous processes before awarding certification to software. Legal compliance may be at stake, as in the case of accounting software or cash register software, for example.

Publishers, be rigorous and vigilant in your specifications to guarantee full certification for your users.

NF software certification

In the software sector, NF software certification is undoubtedly the best known. It is a trademark for software professionals. This certification defines the characteristics and conditions under which software is produced, from its design to its proper operation, while also ensuring its durability and reliability. In short, the NF Software mark objectively certifies the quality and conformity of software.

This certification guarantees :

• that the software has been designed in compliance with the ISO 9001 international standard, which covers testing, product validation and customer support;
• that the quality of the software reaches a level that complies with what is expected in the ISO/IEC 25 051 standard, which relates to the functionalities present in the software in accordance with what is presented in the product sheet, as well as the user and test documentation.

NF 525: certification for cash register software

Since the anti-fraud law came into force on 1 January 2018, publishers and users of cash register software have not been able to miss out on this particular certification.

Cash management software is required to meet the conditions of data inalterability, security, conservation and archiving. The purpose of this law is to combat tax fraud.

Certifying your cash register software guarantees optimum use, in full compliance with the law in force.

What guarantees does certification provide?

For the publisher

Software certification enables its publisher to :

• Demonstrate the conformity of its service,
• stand out from the competition and gain visibility,
• boost customer confidence ,
• optimise its practices and internal processes,
• improve product quality .

For users

Certification reassures users on the following points:

• the continuity of the publisher's activity: what happens if the publisher goes out of business and the service is interrupted? How will the data be managed? How much will it cost to find a new tool and train users? Certification means you don't have to ask yourself these questions.
• Legal compliance: certification removes the risk of legal problems or penalties in the event of irregularities. You can be sure that your accounting and collection procedures comply with current legislation.

How do you certify software?

Certification bodies have their own certification procedures. That said, the procedures follow the same logic, summed up very simply in a few stages:

• admissibility study
• tests
• audit (on site),
• audit results,
• certification.

Periodic checks are then carried out to confirm that the certified products and services still comply with the standards and quality reference framework in question. Certification may be renewed periodically.

List of NF Software certified software

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Choose your certified software

appvizer lists thousands of software products: you're bound to find the solution that meets your needs, corresponds to your sector of activity and the size of your company, while carrying the necessary certification.

Software publishers have every interest in having their software certified, not only to improve the quality of their solutions, but also to offer their users more guarantees and stand out in a competitive market.