# Windows CSP

On Windows usualy all Applications use the Crypto API - a very high level and very generic framework. If Applications use this framework, no changes are needed to use certificates and keys not only from either files/registry but also from smart cards.

Such Applications can not use OpenSC directly. Instead they access the Crypto API on the upper side, and a Crypto Service Provider needs to register smart card resource on the lower side. That CSP can use OpenSC via the PKCS#11 API.

And of course you need the PC/SC Middleware and a driver for your smart card reader. PC/SC is already included in Windows NT, 2000, XP and later.

The whole picture with all layers is:

    +------------------------------------+
    |           Application              |
    +------------------------------------+
    +============Crypto API==============+
    |            Middleware              |
    +==Crypto Server Provider Interface===+
    +------------------------------------+
    |        Crypto Service Provider     |
    +--------------PKCS#11---------------+
    |         OpenSC-PKCS11.dll          |
    +--------------PC/SC-----------------+
    |         PC/SC Middleware           |
    +-------------Ifdhandler-------------+
    |      Smart card Reader Driver      |
    +------------------------------------+

## CSP#11

CSP#11 is an open source implementation of the Crypto Service Provider API. It works with any PKCS#11 module including the OpenSC-PKCS11.DLL included in OpenSC.

You can download CSP#11 at http://csp11.labs.libre-entreprise.org/.

Smart card bundle is our windows installer and it has a more detailed web page about CSP11.

## Idendity Alliance CSP

Idendity Alliance also offers a CSP implementation in their ID Ally package. (free for personal use, 30 days use for evaluation.)

Smart card bundle is our windows installer and it has a more detailed web page about ID Ally.

## PKCS CSP

PKCS CSP is an open-source CSP to use PKCS#11 modules. It was developed by Ilex and may be downloaded free of charge. The package contains the source files needed to build the CSP as well as documentation in English and French.

http://www.ilex.fr/en/opensource/pkcscsp.htm

* Description

## Windows Vista

It looks like Microsoft will replace Crypto API with something new, but still support Crypto API. More information can be found in this presentation: http://blog.blanar.net/files/FUN210_Ben-Menahem_Tucker.ppt