### Managing Store Secure Keys

Secure keys are used for more secure authorization when connecting to the Parallels Business Automation - Standard server via the XML API, in particular, for remote installation of Parallels Business Automation - Standard PHP Store.

When store is installed at a remote server, it works as a client and Parallels Business Automation - Standard Management Node works as a server. Store communicates with Parallels Business Automation - Standard server via the Parallels Business Automation - Standard XML API.

In spite of the fact that remote clients can establish connection with Parallels Business Automation - Standard management node only via the SSL protocol, problem of keeping clean passwords at a client side considerably decreases security level of remote Online PHP Store deployment.

It is also possible to use a vendor e-mail/password for authorization, but this is much less secure, because in this case vendor login/password are explicitly specified in the store configuration file. Secure key can be certainly used for local store installation as well.

Note: Secure keys are generated in Parallels Business Automation - Standard graphical interface, but to use a key, it is necessary to open a store configuration file manually in a text editor and paste a key.

All the configuration necessary for setting up the Parallels Business Automation - Standard store at a remote server is described in details in the Parallels Business Automation - Standard SDK, 'Customizing Parallels Business Automation - Standard' chapter > 'PHP Based Store Customization' > 'Manual Store Installation on Remote Server'.

Secure keys are generated on the basis of store hostname. store ID, and key generation date/time.

Provider and all resellers can generate as many keys as needed, in this case, several keys can be generated for the same store hostname. Authorization is performed on a store hostname and secure key match. If you have several keys generated for the same hostname, you can use any of them for authorization.

Parallels Business Automation - Standard installation owners (Providers) can use a local or remote store installation, at their choice.

Resellers are given a default store configuration on the basis of Provider store, with a basic customization options available in Parallels Business Automation - Standard web-based Reseller Control Center. As for the full access to store files, resellers can get an own store installation on a special arraignment, and this is up to a Provider.

Secure keys are managed under Commerce Director > Store Manager > Configure Store > Security Settings tab.

To generate a new key:

1. Click the New Key button.
2. Enter the hostname of the server where the Parallels Business Automation - Standard store is deployed into the Store Hostname field.
3. Click the Create button.

The key is generated immediately. The list of keys appears on the screen. It displays the following:

- ID. The key numerical identifier assigned in the Parallels Business Automation - Standard database.
- Hostname. The hostname the key is generated for.
- Key. The key hash.
- Creation Date. The date and time the key has been generated.

You can re-generate an existing key for another hostname or delete any key.

Please note that the key would work only if it is stored in the Parallels Business Automation - Standard database and generated for the hostname of the server your store is actually deployed. If you re-generate the key, you must update it in the store configuration file.

To update or delete a key:

1. Click on a key hostname or ID in the keys list.
2. As soon as a key details appear on the screen:

- To update a key, enter a new hostname into the Store Hostname field and click the Update button.
- To delete a key, click the Delete button.

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