ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
Avoid the traditional pitfalls of lost or missing data and documents, process breakages, and lack of workflow visibility by going digital.Using an eSignature app to sign documents online makes it easy to collect legally binding signatures on documents right from your mobile or desktop devices. No longer do you need to print, sign, fax, and scan. You can collect signatures right on your phone or desktop.
What does document-signing software do?
Document-signing software is software that lets you sign documents electronically without printing, scanning, or faxing. It’s a win for both business and personal users because eSigning is fast, easy, and secure. Electronic signatures are trusted by millions and are available in dozens of languages.
Send and sign anywhere, anytime, on any Internet-enabled device. To sign, you don’t need to buy anything or even have an account. Contracts, agreements, loans, leases, all can be signed quickly and securely. Online signatures offer distinct advantages over handwriting your signature on paper:
- Paper-free no printing, filing, or mailing.
- Secure tamper-evident documents.
- Electronic storage and access to all of your documents.
- Integrate with tools you already use such as Dropbox and Google Docs.
Are Electronic Signatures Legally Binding?
In a word, yes.There are many cases in which judges have ruled in favor of the veracity of eSignatures. Whenever there’s consent and intent, which is almost always the case, eSignatures are legally binding. Trusted software providers also add an additional level of security by providing authentication and audit logs, among other features.
How To Choose The Best E-Signature Software
Digital signature is a facilitating confirmation option, but also an online mechanism for trustworthy validation of critical information. Tracking and storing documents is way easier than signing folders in a dusty archive, while faking signatures becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible. The cream of the crop is that digital e-signing software for enterprises automates the workflow by providing a set of pre-made templates you can distribute instead of drafting special ones for every occasion. Besides, transition to paper-free business is a painless and smooth process, assuming you’ve chosen the best E-signature tools that integrate with other apps and document-related services you’re using. That’s exactly what this guide is trying to help you achieve.
What are Some Examples of E-Signature Software?
- Adobe eSign Services: A great enterprise solution that accelerates signing and managing documents, and integrates with a range of popular business systems.
- DocuSign: A digital signing platform suitable for small business and individuals, known by its capacity to accelerate ROI and by its powerful mobile optimization.
- e-SignLive: A smart product from an experienced e-signature service provider which can be used by businesses from all scales and industries.
- RightSignature: Offers a simple interface, but allows for typed and handwritten signatures. Its collection fields can be easily customized and shared via emails.
- EchoSign: This is another powerful Adobe product that accelerates contract signing by approximately 80%. It is very easy to use, and has a robust feature set.
Types of E-Signature Software
There are three basic types of e-signing software tools, varying from open-source suites to ultra costly and accurate locally hosted ones. Features can also be categorization criteria, as certain programs do nothing but to offer digital signature, while others are more robust and they allow users to handwrite papers, type signatures, and even do some custom branding:
- On-premise e-signature programs. These are covered with a single license, and are hosted on the client’s local server. They qualify as the most expensive ones, due the fact that they require complex setup and occasionally some hardware installation.
- Software-as-a-service (SaaS) e-signature programs. These are usually paid per month, and are hosted on the vendor’s server. The business owner is not responsible for installation, updating, and maintenance.
- Open-source e-signature programs. Most of these offer basic plans, and qualify as the most affordable ones due to their universal access and the fact that the client doesn’t need to update them or to pay for maintenance.
Are E-Signatures secure?
eSignatures have been considered a legally binding way to sign documents and paperwork since 2000 and the security of eSignatures depends in large part on the provider of your eSignatures. Here are some of the critical security checkpoints to check off before using any eSignature service:
- SSL hosting.
- Encryption at rest.
- Secure data storage (HelloSign uses an SSAE 16 Certified Data Center).
- Additional security features like two-factor authentication and audit trails.
Who uses E-Signatures?
eSignatures are used to sign all types of documents and paperwork, from simple one sheet agreements to complex mortgage and loan paperwork. Here are just a few examples of how eSignatures are being used:
- Sales teams are closing deals faster by streamlining the signing process.
- HR directors are using eSignatures to simplify complicated onboarding paperwork.
- Real estate agents are signing housing contracts.
- Schools and administrative industries are easily signing applications and releases.
Digital signatures are time savers and are approved by the law as long as you follow the requirements and guidelines for correct usage.Top e-signature brands help you follow these rules and keep your contracts and other documents secure.document.