There are different options in SSL certificates that are designed to fill different needs with regards to securing websites and ensuring all the functions and features required are available. This includes both single domain security as you will find in the SSL at the domain validation and organization validations levels as well as our EV SSL.
Additionally, there are also specialized SSL/TLS products that are designed to protect more than just a single main domain. These options in security products use the basic and essential definition of SSL just as the products that protect the single domains. By providing different features on the certificate the CA (Certificate Authority) can expand the protection level offered by these products without losing any of the security and protection.
The three most often used options include the Multi-Domain, UC certificate and Wildcard SSL. To understand a bit more about each and to provide a clear distinction, here is a basic review of each option.
Multi-Domain
The Multi-Domain cert may also be called a Multi-Domain/SAN certificate depending on which CA you are considering. We offer an EV Multi-Domain SSL which provides you with the advantage of the green bar and full validation provided by our single site EV SSL.
The Multi-Domain SSL is ideal for larger companies or organization needing to secure multiple domains and subdomains on one certificate. Our product allows up to 100 domains and subdomains on each cert.
This product uses SAN or Subject Alternative Name to allow the IT administrator to add the subdomains and domains to the cert. The basic product comes with three Fully Qualified Domain Names by default. This includes the primary or main common name and two SAN choices.
This is very different from the UC certificate and Wildcard SSL, although it is a multi-domain and subdomain security product.
The UCC
The Unified Communications Certificate, which may also be written as UCC or UC certificate, is a very specialized type of SSL/TLS product.
Like all of our products it can be used with any server platform, but it has been specially designed to work within the Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications server environments. These servers have specialized features, tools and options that the UCC is configured to work with and in.
For example, with the Microsoft Exchange, the autodiscover feature will work with the UCC product. It does not work with the other SSL/TLS products without significant workarounds which are both time consuming as well as potentially problematic.
The UC certificate and Wildcard SSL offer protection for main domains and subdomains. The UCC like the Multi-Domain SSL can support up to 100 main domains and subdomains on the same certificate.
The Wildcard SSL
There are two big differences between the UC certificate and Wildcard SSL. The Wildcard is only able to protect one domain and that main domain's subdomains. The UCC can secure both main domains and subdomains up to 100 entries. This is an important distinction to keep in mind.
The other major difference is that the UC certificate and Wildcard SSL are not recognized the same by the Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications servers as well as browsers and devices. Mobile devices before Windows Mobile 6 will not recognize Wildcard certs, but they will recognize the UCC.
Security is also enhanced with the use of the UCC as there is no "wildcard" component on the certificate. This means that a site cannot be set up to mimic an authentic site using the wildcard certificate. While this is rare, it can and does occasionally occur if the private key information is not secure or if there is a breach on a server.
It is possible, and perhaps necessary for some specific situations, to combine the UC certificate and Wildcard SSL. If this is the case, we have developed a special pricing option if this is a factor you need to consider. It is always a good idea to talk to our sales staff to discuss your options.
The UC certificate and Wildcard SSL are not available at the extended validation level. This may be a consideration for some websites and this can be another discussion to have with our sales team for the most cost-effective option.
If you have any questions, please use our live chat system. For those with a preference to talk to us by phone, give us a call at +1 888 266 6361, and we can help.