Adacom: Pioneering Secure Digital Transactions Worldwide

What Is Adacom?

Adacom is a Greek-based Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) that delivers eIDAS-compliant qualified electronic signatures (QES) without requiring users to download mobile applications or complete pre-registration. This “signature-on-demand” approach represents a fundamental shift in how qualified signatures are accessed.

Certified QTSP Under eIDAS

Adacom has operated as a certified Qualified Trust Service Provider since July 2016—making it one of the earliest QTSPs recognized under the eIDAS Regulation. The company is supervised by Greece’s Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT), which ensures ongoing compliance with eIDAS technical and security requirements.

The Revolutionary No-App Approach

Unlike traditional QES methods that require downloading dedicated mobile applications and completing pre-registration, Adacom pioneered a frictionless verification model:

• No app installation: Works entirely through web browsers on any device
• No pre-registration: Identity verification happens during signature creation
• No account creation: Each signature is independent, requiring no ongoing relationship
• Universal accessibility: Compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers without special software

This approach eliminates the primary friction points that prevent widespread QES adoption, particularly for external signers who may be unwilling or unable to download and configure specialized applications.

Unmatched Geographic Coverage: 68 Countries

Adacom’s standout feature is its industry-leading geographic reach. The platform supports qualified electronic signatures for users in 68 countries spanning six continents—the widest coverage of any QES provider:

Complete European Coverage

All 27 EU member states plus the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Balkan nations (Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia)—ensuring comprehensive European business operations.

Americas

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela—enabling North and South American transactions.

Asia-Pacific

Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam—covering major Asian economic powerhouses.

Middle East & Africa

Egypt, Israel, Kenya, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates—bridging emerging markets across three continents.

How Adacom Qualified Signatures Work

Understanding Adacom’s verification and signature process reveals why it excels for specific use cases while differing fundamentally from app-based alternatives.

The On-Demand Signature Process

Unlike methods requiring pre-registration, Adacom performs identity verification during signature creation. Here’s the complete workflow:

1Receive Signature Request

Signers receive an email or SMS containing a secure signing link. No prior relationship with Adacom is required—the first interaction is the signature request itself.

2Access Document

Clicking the link opens the document in a web browser on any device (smartphone, tablet, computer). No app download, no account creation, no preliminary steps.

3Choose Verification Method

Adacom offers two identity verification pathways:

Option A: Automated Video Verification (24/7 Available)

• Fully automated system available around the clock
• User photographs government-issued ID document (passport or national ID)
• Facial recognition compares live selfie to document photo
• Liveness detection confirms real person present (not photograph)
• AI-powered verification completes in 2-3 minutes
• Ideal for urgent signatures outside business hours

Option B: Video Conference Verification

• Live video call with trained Adacom verification representative
• Representative guides user through document presentation
• Visual verification of ID document security features
• Conversational confirmation of signer identity
• Completes in 3-5 minutes during business hours
• Preferred by users wanting human interaction

4Identity Validation

Adacom’s verification system validates:

• Document authenticity (security features, holograms, microprinting)
• Document validity (not expired, not reported stolen)
• Biometric match between live person and document photo
• Data consistency (name, date of birth, document number)

5Qualified Certificate Issuance

Upon successful verification, Adacom immediately issues a qualified certificate specific to this signature. The certificate:

• Contains verified signer identity information
• Meets all eIDAS technical requirements for qualified certificates
• Is issued by Adacom’s certified certificate authority
• Is valid specifically for this signature transaction

6Signature Creation

Using the qualified certificate and Adacom’s qualified signature creation device (QSCD) infrastructure, a qualified electronic signature is cryptographically applied to the document. The signature includes:

• Signer’s verified identity
• Qualified timestamp (exact moment of signing)
• Document hash (cryptographic fingerprint ensuring integrity)
• Certificate chain linking to Adacom’s trusted root

7Signed Document Delivery

The qualified-signed document is immediately available for download. All parties receive notification of signature completion. The signature can be validated by any third party using standard PDF signature validation tools.

Technical Architecture: Maintaining QES Status

Adacom’s technical implementation ensures full eIDAS compliance despite the absence of user-installed applications:

Server-Side Qualified Signature Creation Device (QSCD)

Rather than relying on user devices as QSCDs, Adacom maintains centralized QSCD infrastructure in secure data centers. Private signing keys:

• Are generated in hardware security modules (HSMs) meeting eIDAS requirements
• Remain under sole control of the verified signer for the signature transaction
• Are destroyed immediately after signature creation
• Cannot be extracted, copied, or reused

This server-side approach maintains QSCD security requirements while eliminating device-dependency.

Certificate Lifecycle Management

Each Adacom signature uses a transaction-specific qualified certificate:

• Certificate is issued after identity verification
• Certificate is valid only for the specific signature transaction
• Certificate is automatically revoked after signature completion
• No long-term certificate management required from users

Audit Trail and Compliance Evidence

Every Adacom signature generates comprehensive compliance documentation:

• Complete identity verification record (documents captured, validation results)
• Video recording of verification process (if applicable)
• Qualified timestamp proving exact signing moment
• Certificate issuance and revocation logs
• Cryptographic proof of document integrity

Adacom vs Other QES Methods: When to Choose What

Understanding how Adacom compares to alternative qualified signature methods helps identify optimal use cases for each approach.

Adacom vs itsme (Belgian Solution)

Adacom vs Evrotrust (Bulgarian Solution)

Strategic Comparison Summary

When to Choose Adacom: Ideal Use Cases

Adacom’s unique no-app, on-demand approach creates distinct advantages for specific business scenarios.

Use Case 1: International Client Contracts

Use Case 2: Vendor Onboarding Across Multiple Countries

Use Case 3: Emergency Document Execution

Use Case 4: Professional Services with Diverse Client Base

Law firms, accounting practices, and consulting companies serving international clients benefit from Adacom’s universal accessibility. Clients across different countries, jurisdictions, and technical comfort levels can all sign using the same method without any asking them to download apps or create accounts.

Use Case 5: Real Estate Transactions with Foreign Buyers

Real estate agencies and notaries dealing with international property purchases face frequent scenarios where foreign buyers need qualified signatures but have limited familiarity with European digital systems. Adacom’s web-based, no-app approach removes technical barriers while maintaining full QES compliance for property transactions.

Use Case 6: Government and Public Sector Submissions

Citizens submitting documents to government agencies (permit applications, legal filings, official correspondence) often require qualified signatures but may only need them once or twice annually. Adacom’s on-demand model serves this sporadic-use pattern better than methods requiring app maintenance.

Advantages and Limitations of Adacom

Key Advantages

✓1. Industry-Leading Geographic Coverage

With 68 countries across six continents, Adacom provides the widest global reach of any QES provider. This eliminates the geographic coverage gaps that create signature deadlocks in international business.

✓2. Zero Friction for External Signers

No app downloads, no account creation, no pre-registration. External parties (clients, vendors, partners) can sign immediately upon receiving the request without any preliminary steps—critical for converting signature requests into completed signatures.

✓3. Universal Device Compatibility

Works on any device with a web browser—smartphones, tablets, computers, regardless of operating system. No special hardware requirements (like NFC readers) or software installations.

✓4. 24/7 Availability

Automated video verification operates around the clock, enabling qualified signatures during weekends, holidays, or outside business hours—essential for urgent transactions across time zones.

✓5. Instant Deployment

Organizations can implement Adacom immediately without user onboarding, training, or technology distribution. Send signature requests; recipients sign on-demand.

✓6. Established Track Record

Operating as a certified QTSP since July 2016—nearly a decade of proven eIDAS compliance, security, and operational reliability.

✓7. Flexible Pricing Through Platforms

When accessed through platforms like QES-Sign, Adacom signatures are available on pay-per-use terms starting at €5 per signature—no subscriptions, no commitments.

Limitations to Consider

1. Slower for Repeat Signers

Each signature requires 2-5 minutes of identity verification. For users signing frequently (daily or weekly), app-based methods offering 30-second repeat signatures may be more efficient after initial registration.

2. Requires Stable Internet Connection

Video verification demands reliable internet connectivity. Users in areas with poor connectivity may experience difficulties—though this affects all remote QES methods to some degree.

3. Device Camera Required

Identity verification requires a functioning camera for document capture and facial recognition. Users without cameras (some desktop computers) cannot complete verification independently.

4. Language Considerations

While Adacom supports 68 countries, verification interfaces may not be available in all local languages, potentially creating confusion for non-English speakers.

5. Per-Signature Verification Cost Structure

The per-signature verification model means costs scale linearly with volume. Organizations with extremely high signature volumes (hundreds monthly) might find app-based methods more economical after amortizing registration overhead.

Adacom and eIDAS Compliance

Understanding Adacom’s eIDAS compliance assures organizations of its legal validity and cross-border recognition.

Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) Status

All Adacom signatures meet Article 25(2) of the eIDAS Regulation, providing them with legal equivalence to handwritten signatures across all EU member states. This equivalence extends to:

• Commercial contracts (sales agreements, partnership contracts, NDAs)
• Employment documentation (contracts, amendments, terminations)
• Financial instruments (loan agreements, guarantees)
• Real estate transactions (preliminary agreements, powers of attorney)
• Corporate governance (board resolutions, shareholder consents)
• Government submissions (permit applications, legal filings)

Cross-Border Recognition

As a certified QTSP, Adacom signatures enjoy mandatory mutual recognition throughout the European Union:

• An Adacom signature created in Greece must be recognized as valid in Germany, France, Italy, and all other EU member states
• Public authorities cannot reject Adacom signatures solely because of their electronic format
• Courts must treat Adacom signatures as having maximum evidentiary weight
• The burden of proof lies with anyone challenging signature validity

Technical Compliance Elements

Adacom’s technical implementation satisfies all eIDAS requirements for qualified signatures:

Qualified Certificates (Article 28)

Adacom issues qualified certificates containing:

• Verified signer identity (name, date of birth)
• Unique certificate serial number
• Certificate validity period
• Issuing QTSP identification (Adacom)
• Qualified certificate indicator
• Digital signature of the issuing CA

Qualified Signature Creation Device (Article 29)

Adacom’s QSCD infrastructure ensures:

• Signature creation data is generated and used only once
• Private keys cannot be derived or extracted
• Signature creation data is reliably protected against unauthorized use
• Hardware security modules meet Common Criteria EAL 4+ standards

Identity Verification (Article 24)

Adacom’s identity verification process meets stringent requirements:

• Verification based on government-issued identity documents
• Biometric comparison ensuring person matches document
• Liveness detection preventing fraud
• Comprehensive audit trail of verification process

Supervisory Oversight

Adacom operates under continuous supervision by Greece’s Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT):

• Regular audits verify ongoing compliance
• Security assessments validate technical controls
• Incident reporting ensures transparency
• Public listing on EU Trusted List confirms active qualified status

Signature Validation and Verification

Adacom signatures can be independently validated by any third party using:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader: Automatically validates signature against EU Trusted List
• DSS Validation Tool: European Commission’s official signature validation service
• Specialized validators: Industry-specific tools for eIDAS signature verification

Validation confirms signer identity, signature integrity, signing time, and qualified status without requiring access to Adacom systems.

Getting Started with Adacom Qualified Signatures

Organizations can access Adacom qualified signatures through platforms like QES-Sign, which simplify the integration and billing of multiple QES methods.

Implementation Approaches

Pay-Per-Use Model (Ideal for Most Organizations)

Purchase prepaid signature credits starting at €5 per signature. Benefits include:

• No subscription fees or monthly minimums
• No commitment—use credits as needed
• Volume discounts available (10, 50, 100+ credit bundles)
• Predictable cost per signature regardless of volume fluctuations

API Integration (For Developers)

Integrate Adacom signatures into existing business applications via REST APIs:

• Contract management systems: Trigger signature workflows automatically
• CRM platforms: Add QES to client onboarding processes
• HR systems: Automate employment contract signatures
• Document management: Embed QES into existing document workflows
• Custom applications: Build QES functionality into proprietary software

Best Practices for Deploying Adacom

Set Clear Signer Expectations

When sending Adacom signature requests, inform signers:

• No app download required—they can sign from the email link
• Process takes 2-5 minutes
• They’ll need government-issued ID (passport or national ID card)
• A device with camera required (smartphone recommended)
• Video verification will be required (automated or with representative)

Optimize Document Preparation

Prepare documents for successful signing:

• Clearly indicate signature fields
• Include brief instructions if signers unfamiliar with QES
• Ensure document is final before sending (avoid multiple revision cycles)
• Consider providing context about why QES is required

Plan for Support

Some signers may need assistance:

• Provide contact information for questions
• Share Adacom’s support documentation links
• Have backup verification methods ready (video conference if automated fails)
• Consider time zone differences for international signers

Key Takeaways

• Adacom delivers qualified electronic signatures across 68 countries without requiring app installation: This no-app, on-demand approach eliminates the primary friction preventing widespread QES adoption, particularly for external signers and one-time transactions.
• Industry-leading geographic coverage spans six continents: With support for 68 countries including major markets in Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, Adacom ensures you never encounter geographic limitations when executing international agreements.
• Identity verification happens during signature creation: Unlike app-based methods requiring pre-registration, Adacom performs verification on-demand (2-5 minutes per signature), making it optimal for sporadic signers while less efficient for high-frequency users.
• Full eIDAS compliance provides legal equivalence to handwritten signatures: As a certified QTSP since 2016 supervised by Greek authority EETT, Adacom signatures meet Article 25(2) requirements and enjoy mandatory cross-border recognition across all EU member states.
• Strategic method selection depends on signer patterns: Choose Adacom when geographic reach and zero friction outweigh repeat signing speed; select itsme or Evrotrust when users sign frequently enough to justify initial app registration investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adacom legally equivalent to a handwritten signature?

Yes. Adacom provides qualified electronic signatures (QES) that are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures across all EU member states under Article 25(2) of the eIDAS Regulation. Courts cannot reject an Adacom signature solely because it’s electronic.

Which countries does Adacom support?

Adacom supports 68 countries across six continents, including all EU member states, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and many others. This represents the widest geographic coverage of any qualified electronic signature provider.

Do I need to download an app to use Adacom?

No. Adacom works entirely through web browsers—no app download or installation required. This is Adacom’s key differentiator from alternatives like itsme and Evrotrust, which require dedicated mobile applications.

How long does the Adacom signature process take?

The complete process typically takes 2-5 minutes, including identity verification and signature creation. Automated video verification (available 24/7) generally completes in 2-3 minutes, while video conference verification with a representative takes 3-5 minutes during business hours.

Do I need to register before my first signature?

No. Adacom performs identity verification during signature creation, not as a separate registration step. This means your first signature takes the same 2-5 minutes as any subsequent signature—there’s no advance preparation required.

Why would I choose app-based methods over Adacom?

If you or your team sign documents frequently (daily or weekly), app-based methods like itsme or Evrotrust become more efficient after initial registration. They enable 30-second repeat signatures versus Adacom’s 2-5 minutes per signature. However, for external signers or sporadic use, Adacom’s no-app approach typically provides better overall experience.

Can Adacom signatures be used for official government documents?

Yes. As a certified QTSP under eIDAS, Adacom signatures meet all requirements for government submissions requiring qualified electronic signatures. Many public sector entities across the EU accept Adacom signatures for official filings, permit applications, and legal documents.

What if the person signing doesn’t have a smartphone?

Adacom works on any device with a web browser and camera, including tablets and computers with webcams. However, smartphones are recommended for easiest document capture. If no camera is available, alternative verification methods may need to be considered.

How does Adacom compare to DocuSign or Adobe Sign?

DocuSign and Adobe Sign primarily offer Simple Electronic Signatures (SES) and Advanced Electronic Signatures (AES), which have lower legal standing than QES. Adacom specializes in Qualified Electronic Signatures, which are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures under eIDAS. Choose Adacom when legal equivalence and maximum evidentiary weight are required; use SES/AES platforms for routine documents where QES compliance isn’t necessary.

Conclusion

Adacom represents a fundamental innovation in qualified electronic signature delivery, addressing the primary barriers that have limited QES adoption: geographic restrictions, technological friction, and implementation complexity. By pioneering the no-app, on-demand verification model while maintaining full eIDAS compliance, Adacom enables organizations to execute qualified signatures globally without requiring external parties to download software or complete lengthy registrations.

The platform’s 68-country coverage—spanning Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa—ensures that geographic limitations never prevent signature completion. For businesses operating internationally, managing diverse vendor networks, or serving clients across multiple jurisdictions, this universal accessibility eliminates the frustrating “this signature method doesn’t work in your country” barriers that plague narrower solutions.

However, Adacom’s on-demand verification model creates a fundamental tradeoff: immediate accessibility and zero friction for external signers versus slower repeat signing compared to app-based alternatives. Organizations must evaluate this tradeoff against their specific use patterns. Companies with high-frequency internal signatures may benefit from itsme or Evrotrust after initial registration investment, while those prioritizing external signer convenience, global reach, or sporadic use typically find Adacom’s advantages decisive.

For organizations seeking maximum flexibility, platforms offering all three certified QES methods—Adacom, itsme, and Evrotrust—enable strategic method selection on a per-signature basis, matching the optimal solution to each transaction’s specific requirements rather than forcing all signatures through a single approach.