Electronic signatures (eSignatures) are now an essential part of the operation of businesses and organizations across the globe. From HR departments managing new contracts to legal teams handling binding agreements, eSignatures are a faster, more secure way to sign your most important documents.
Currently, two of the best digital signature solutions on the market are Inkit and DocuSign. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two platforms, breaking down key features, security measures, and their unique benefits for specific users, including government agencies and enterprise businesses with higher security needs.
Let's dive in.
What Are Electronic Signatures?
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An electronic signature, or eSignature, is a simple, digital way to legally sign a document. It streamlines the signing process to allow businesses and organizations to approve contracts and agreements in minutes. Unlike a traditional handwritten signature, which requires pen, paper, and sometimes a face-to-face meeting, eSignatures allow documents to be signed securely and remotely.
The basic process is straightforward:
- Upload a document
- Send it to the right people
- Let the eSignature platform guide everyone through the signing steps
Each party will be able to see where to sign clearly, and once everyone has signed the document, it can be downloaded and saved. Some eSignature software and platforms like Inkit and DocuSign even include extras like identity verification, document tracking, and integration with other business systems to make the signing process faster and more secure.
Digital vs Electronic Signatures
While we have used electronic signature, eSignature, and digital signature interchangeably in this article, there is a difference. While both digital and electronic signatures allow users to sign documents and authenticate electronic or digital documents, digital signatures offer higher security and legal validity.
Electronic signatures can be used in many ways, such as a simple typed name, a scanned image of a handwritten signature, click-to-sign actions, etc. However, digital signatures adhere to important cryptographic and legal standards that require the use of private keys for signing.
What is Private Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Digital signatures use Private Key Infrastructure (PKI) to guarantee their security and trustworthiness. PKI involves two keys: a public key that everyone has access to and a private key that only the signer knows. These keys work together to substantiate that a digital signature is genuine and that the digital document hasn't been tampered with.
We cover everything you need to know about digital signatures and PKI in our Complete Guide to Digital Signatures in 2025.
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Benefits of Digital Signatures
So, why are so many organizations turning to Digital? Let's look at the benefits:
Speed and Convenience
Digital signatures reduce the delays that are often present when signing documents manually. As people do not need to meet face-to-face to sign, documents can be signed in as little as 15 minutes. No more waiting for long document turnaround times.
Cost Savings
eSignatures save organizations money. With the reduction in the necessity of printing, mailing, and storing physical documents and contracts, companies can save on the costs these processes usually incur. Over time, these savings add up, especially if your organization deals with a large volume of contracts.
Tracking and Transparency
eSignature platforms let you track the document's journey. You can see who signed, when they signed and if any changes were made along the way. This transparency comes in handy when the time comes for organizational audits and compliance checks.
User Experience
As users can sign documents when they want to, with prompts guiding them step-by-step through the process, digital and electronic signatures make things easier for businesses, clients, and partners.
Are Digital Signatures Legal?
Digital signatures are recognized as legally binding around the globe, backed by regulations such as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act in the United States, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), and the eIDAS regulation in the European Union.
The laws here all help to establish electronic signatures as having the same legal weight as handwritten signatures. This means that all documents signed electronically can be enforced in a court of law.
However, in order for an eSignature to be legally valid, the electronic signature platform used has to meet specific standards, such as:
- Verifying the identity of all signers
- Maintaining a detailed audit trail
- Providing secure and tamper-proof storage for all signed documents
Inkit and DocuSign follow strict compliance protocols and offer built-in platform features such as comprehensive identity verification processes. However, only one of the platforms meets the rigorous security standards of highly regulated enterprise businesses and governmental organizations.
The Importance of Secure Signature Software
The security of documents and important information matters across all industries; however, it is particularly important in government and other heavily regulated sectors, where documents often contain classified or sensitive information. Choosing a secure eSignature platform that complies with legal and security requirements should be a top priority. Failing to do so can lead to data breaches, legal ramifications, and disruptions in operations.
High Security Standards in Government
The basic security measures offered by most digital signature platforms simply won't cut it for government agencies that must adhere to the strictest regulatory standards. From IL4 and IL5 compliance to Common Access Card (CAC) compatibility, these strict standards must be met, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access or modify sensitive documents. Platforms like Inkit ensure these standards are met through the most robust secure storage and encryption available.
Inkit's Security Strengths for Government Applications
Inkit shines in this regard, particularly with its zero trust storage model, which means that even Inkit employees cannot access user data. This level of security is paramount for government agencies that handle sensitive information.
All of Inkit's solutions are made specifically to meet high-security requirements, supporting IL4 and IL5 compliance levels and CAC signatures. Inkit's commitment to privacy and adherence to stringent government standards makes it an excellent choice for agencies dealing with mission-critical and confidential documents.
DocuSign's Security Standards
DocuSign also meets some security requirements. It holds certifications like ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018, and complies with GDPR and PCI-DSS standards. DocuSign claims that its security framework is built to ensure 99.9% uptime, with no scheduled maintenance downtime, guaranteeing reliable access for customers worldwide. However, for government agencies, Inkit's additional compliance features offer a more robust, safer solution for highly regulated organizations.
Comparing Inkit and DocuSign
While we have touched briefly on the security strengths and potential weaknesses of Inkit and DocuSign, it is time to move on to the main comparison of the platforms. Inkit and DocuSign are reliable and trusted providers in the digital signature market; however, they each cater to different user needs and are equipped with distinct features that set them apart.
In this comparison section, we will examine Inkit and DocuSign in more detail. We will examine their user experiences, the security and compliance measures each platform takes to protect the sensitive information of the organizations that use it, and their integration and workflow automation capabilities.
Understanding the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each platform will help your government agency or enterprise organization choose the digital signature solution that best suits your needs.
User Interface and User Experience
When choosing an eSignature tool, the user experience must always be considered. A complex interface can make workflows harder instead of easier and stall productivity.
DocuSign
DocuSign is known for its easy and user-friendly design, making it a practical option for many different industries as users can sign and manage documents easily without needing a lot of technical knowledge. DocuSign features easy drag-and-drop editing for dates, initials, and signatures to keep the signing process simple, and mobile compatibility allows documents to be signed on any device. Businesses can also personalize their experience and add company colors and logos for a more consistent look across the board.
Inkit
Inkit is designed for high-compliance industries like government, healthcare, and finance, focusing on security and compliance. Its interface is simple and straightforward, avoiding distractions to minimize errors in secure signing and document storage. This makes it ideal for organizations that value efficiency and simplicity.
Security and Compliance
Now let's take a look at how Inkit and DocuSign tackle security and compliance:
Inkit
Inkit excels in environments where data privacy is non-negotiable. One of the standout features of Inkit is the zero trust security model, which ensures only authorized users can view or access stored documents — even Inkit employees can't access the documents and data you store! Organizations have complete control over their sensitive information, which is great when handling classified or sensitive documents.
Inkit follows strict compliance standards, matching and going beyond the certifications that DocuSign has by meeting IL4 and IL5 requirements needed by many government agencies and other highly-regulated sectors for handling controlled unclassified information (CUI). This means implementing strong security measures like advanced encryption and restricted data access. Inkit meets these high standards, allowing organizations to manage sensitive data safely. Inkit also works with Common Access Cards (CAC), enabling military and government employees to securely sign documents with verified IDs for an added security boost.
DocuSign
DocuSign holds key certifications like ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018, along with compliance with GDPR and PCI-DSS. This means reliable data protection and privacy for clients in various industries. However, it lacks IL4 and IL5 compliance and a zero trust storage model, which may deter agencies that need specialized data handling. While its Signer ID Verification feature helps confirm signer identities, it may not meet the strict security standards required for high-level government applications.
Integration and Scalability
Inkit and DocuSign provide extensive integration options to enhance workflow efficiency and productivity. Let's compare them in closer detail:
DocuSign
DocuSign's strength lies in its integration capabilities, with its ability to connect to over 900 applications, including Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SAP, Oracle, and Zoom. Organizations can easily make the most of DocuSign alongside their existing systems, so it is a good choice for smaller to medium-sized businesses looking to scale up their operations without a lot of disruption.
DocuSign's API capabilities are a notable asset for developers or IT teams looking to implement more customized solutions. The DocuSign API supports automation, flexible document workflows, and high-volume transactions, as well as managing enterprise-level organizations that need to handle thousands of signatures a day across multiple departments.
Inkit
Inkit provides tailored integration solutions for industries with specific compliance and security requirements, such as government, healthcare, and finance. Inkit focuses on essential automation and workflow tools crucial for effective document management in highly regulated settings. Its platform efficiently manages a high volume of secure transactions, making it ideal for organizations demanding stringent data protection and scalability.
Inkit lets you connect your favorite applications, allowing you to easily manage digital signatures within the tools you already use. This integration supports seamless sending, receiving, and organizing of legally binding agreements, streamlining the entire signature process.
Inkit's user-friendly API allows you to directly embed digital signature requests into your custom applications, websites, or backend systems. The extensive integration capabilities enhance workflow by automating signature requests and tracking, ensuring that documents can be electronically signed easily.
Document Generation and Workflow Automation
Both Inkit and DocuSign offer automated document workflows. Let's take a look:
Inkit
Inkit is particularly strong in document generation and custom workflow automation for organizations with strict compliance demands. It features tools for batch document generation, allowing users to create and send multiple documents simultaneously without sacrificing security. This capability is especially beneficial for government agencies or financial institutions needing to process many secure documents quickly.
Inkit's automated workflows are customizable, enabling organizations to configure steps for document review, approval, and secure storage while adhering to regulatory requirements. Inkit helps organizations meet compliance standards and maintain productivity without compromising data security by concentrating on efficient automation for high-stakes processes.
DocuSign
DocuSign also offers robust automation features designed for flexibility and collaboration. Its platform supports advanced workflows that allow for collaborative editing, commenting, and document tracking. With features like AI-driven Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) that can analyze agreements, detect risks, flag contractual obligations, and provide summaries, DocuSign helps businesses manage contracts more efficiently.
While DocuSign's workflow automation is impressive, it tends to be better suited for general business applications rather than compliance-heavy processes. Its flexibility and extensive customization options may appeal, but they may not always align with stringent security and compliance needs of government or high-security applications.
The Final Verdict
Inkit and DocuSign offer digital signature solutions, but the platforms are tailored to different needs. DocuSign is a great choice for organizations that value broader integration and customization and need greater flexibility and accessibility.
Inkit is the preferred choice for government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial services that require zero trust storage, IL4 and IL5 compliance, and CAC compatibility. Inkit is unmatched in environments where security and compliance are critical, while DocuSign focuses on broader security needs and international compliance.
Both platforms facilitate document sending, tracking, and management. However, Inkit is especially strong when prioritizing security and compliance.
Why Inkit Is the Preferred Choice for Highly Regulated Sectors
Inkit's specialized features make it especially well-suited for government applications and highly-regulated enterprise organizations:
Zero Trust Security Model
Data confidentiality is guaranteed with Inkit's zero trust model. Organizations can feel confident that Inkit can handle confidential information and keep it safe from unauthorized access (even Inkit employees.)
IL4 and IL5 Compliance
Inkit goes beyond what most eSignature tools offer by meeting higher compliance standards. It supports IL4 and IL5 environments, and its CAC signature compatibility is designed specifically for military and government use.
Tailored for Mission-Critical Processes
Inkit provides secure, automated document workflows that help minimize operational risks in mission-critical government processes. These features make it ideal for agencies that manage sensitive or regulated data.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision between Inkit and DocuSign hinges on your organization's specific needs. Both platforms boast impressive digital signature capabilities, but Inkit stands out in government and highly regulated sectors where stringent security measures are essential.
DocuSign offers robust integration options and AI-driven Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) features, making it a great choice for enterprises looking for versatile, scalable eSignature solutions. For businesses and agencies prioritizing privacy and security, Inkit provides a solution that meets critical compliance standards while safeguarding sensitive data with its zero trust model.
To discover more about Inkit and how it can work for your organization, click here to book a demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes eSignatures legally binding?
eSignatures are legally binding under various frameworks, such as the ESIGN Act, UETA, and eIDAS, as long as they meet essential criteria like signer authentication, document tracking, and secure storage.
How does Inkit's security model differ from DocuSign's?
Inkit's zero trust model ensures that only the customer can access their data, and it meets IL4/IL5 compliance standards for government use. DocuSign adheres to ISO standards and GDPR but does not offer zero trust security.
Is Inkit a better choice for highly regulated industries?
Yes, especially for the government and defense sectors. Inkit meets high-security standards like IL4 and IL5 and supports CAC signatures, making it ideal for mission-critical environments.
