Summary
While DigiCert is a well-known and frequently utilized VMC issuer for BIMI, it is not the only option available for displaying logos in Google's email ecosystem. Multiple sources confirm the existence of alternative authorized VMC providers, including Entrust, GlobalSign, Sectigo, and Trust Arca. The BIMI Group itself provides a list of acceptable certificate authorities. Experts and marketers alike emphasize the importance of exploring different VMC issuers to find the best fit for individual brand needs, considering factors such as cost, support, security, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and overall branding objectives. Adoption of BIMI is projected to increase, with a growing number of certificate authorities offering VMC solutions, although some companies remain hesitant due to perceived cost and complexity.
Key findings
- DigiCert Not Exclusive: DigiCert is not the only working VMC issuer for Google BIMI.
- Multiple VMC Issuers Exist: Other authorized Certificate Authorities, such as Entrust, GlobalSign, Sectigo and Trust Arca also issue VMCs.
- BIMI Group Confirms Alternatives: The BIMI Group lists acceptable certificate providers, demonstrating options beyond DigiCert.
- Factors Influence Choice: Cost, support, compatibility, security, and branding needs influence the selection of a VMC issuer.
- Adoption Projected to Grow: The adoption of BIMI and VMCs is expected to increase.
- Hesitancy Exists: Some companies are hesitant to adopt BIMI due to cost and complexity concerns.
Key considerations
- Explore VMC Options: Research and compare different VMC issuers to find the best fit for your organization.
- Assess Needs and Objectives: Evaluate your brand's specific needs and objectives (cost, security, branding) when selecting a VMC issuer.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the VMC issuer is compatible with your existing email infrastructure.
- Consider BIMI Standard Compliance: Verify that the VMC issuer adheres to the BIMI standard.
- Assess Support Needs: Evaluate the level of support provided by different VMC issuers.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
While DigiCert is a well-known and often-used VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) issuer for BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), it's not the only option available. Other Certificate Authorities like Entrust are also authorized to issue VMCs. The decision to adopt BIMI and obtain a VMC is influenced by factors such as cost, perceived complexity, and brand requirements. Exploring different VMC providers is essential to find the best fit, as multiple solutions exist.
Key opinions
- Multiple VMC Issuers: DigiCert is not the exclusive VMC issuer; other Certificate Authorities are authorized.
- Entrust as an Alternative: Entrust is a viable alternative VMC issuer to DigiCert.
- Adoption Hesitancy: Companies may hesitate to adopt BIMI due to cost and complexity, regardless of the issuer.
- VMC Enhances Branding: BIMI with a VMC improves brand recognition and trust in email communications.
- VMC Cost Varies: The cost of a VMC differs depending on the issuer and organizational size.
- Future Growth: The adoption of BIMI and VMCs is expected to increase with more CA options.
Key considerations
- Explore VMC Providers: Thoroughly research different VMC providers to find the best fit for your organization.
- Assess BIMI Cost & Complexity: Evaluate the cost and complexity of BIMI implementation, regardless of the VMC issuer.
- Evaluate Brand Needs: Consider your brand's specific needs and requirements when selecting a VMC issuer.
- Check existing email infrastructure: Consider compatibility factors with your existing email setup.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Twitter mentions that while DigiCert is frequently discussed, it's important to explore other VMC providers to find the best fit for your organization's needs.
23 Oct 2024 - Twitter
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that the VMC for Xfinity is working and uses Digicert.
6 Jun 2023 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
While DigiCert is commonly known, and often used for VMC issuance to enable BIMI in Google's email ecosystem, it is not the sole provider. Experts emphasize exploring alternatives to find solutions best suited for individual brand needs. Factors to consider include cost, support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and alignment with security and branding objectives.
Key opinions
- DigiCert Not Exclusive: DigiCert is not the only VMC issuer that works with Google for BIMI.
- Explore Alternatives: It's crucial to explore alternative VMC issuers to find a suitable solution.
- BIMI Standard Supports Multiple Issuers: The BIMI standard is designed to support multiple VMC issuers.
Key considerations
- Cost: Consider the cost of different VMC issuers.
- Support: Evaluate the support provided by different VMC issuers.
- Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your existing email infrastructure.
- Security Objectives: Align the VMC issuer with your security objectives.
- Branding Objectives: Align the VMC issuer with your branding objectives.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks responds that DigiCert is not the only VMC issuer that works with Google, and it is just a coincidence tied to other reasons.
5 Feb 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that although DigiCert is frequently mentioned, the BIMI standard is designed to support multiple VMC issuers. Evaluate various providers to determine which aligns best with your security and branding objectives.
26 Aug 2023 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
To leverage BIMI and display a logo in Google's email ecosystem, a VMC from an authorized provider is required. While DigiCert is a leading issuer simplifying the process, GlobalSign, Sectigo, and Trust Arca also offer VMC issuance services, emphasizing email security, brand visibility, and compliance with the BIMI standard. The BIMI Group provides a list of acceptable certificate providers, indicating that DigiCert is not the sole option.
Key findings
- VMC Requirement: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is necessary to display a logo with BIMI.
- Multiple Authorized Providers: The BIMI Group lists multiple acceptable certificate providers, indicating DigiCert is not the only one.
- Alternative Issuers: GlobalSign, Sectigo, and Trust Arca are also Certificate Authorities issuing VMCs for BIMI.
- Security & Brand Visibility: VMCs enhance email security and brand visibility.
Key considerations
- Authorized Provider List: Refer to the BIMI Group's list of authorized VMC providers.
- Issuer Selection: Consider various factors when selecting a VMC issuer, such as ease of implementation, security features, and brand visibility benefits.
- BIMI Compliance: Ensure that the VMC issuer complies with the BIMI standard.
Technical article
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that to display your logo with BIMI, you need a VMC issued by an authorized provider. It then goes on to list acceptable certificate providers.
21 Sep 2023 - BIMI Group Official Website
Technical article
Documentation from Sectigo answers that using a VMC will help you unlock the benefits of BIMI, establishing trust and enabling brand recognition in email inboxes.
29 Mar 2022 - Sectigo Website
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