Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) Explained

A Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) is an SSL Certificate that secures several domain names and hostnames on one installation. The name is simply another label for a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, and the two terms describe the same product.

The Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) name comes from its origin on enterprise messaging and collaboration servers, which present several service hostnames and needed one SSL Certificate to cover them all. Learn About Multi-Domain SSL Certificates 🔗

The Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) Explained

A Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) lists every name it protects in the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field. The primary name sits in the Common Name (CN) field, and each further name is added as a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) entry.

The names do not have to belong to the same domain. One Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) might cover domain.com, mail.domain.com, and otherdomain.net at the same time. Learn About the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) Field 🔗

Benefits of a Unified Communications Certificate (UCC)

The main benefit is consolidation. One Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) covers many names, which lowers cost compared with separate SSL Certificates and leaves a single SSL Certificate to install, track, and keep current.

A Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) uses the same strong encryption as any modern SSL Certificate and shows the same padlock in the browser. Visitors see the trust signals they expect from any secured site.

Common Use Cases

A Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) suits any server that presents multiple hostnames for related services, such as webmail, calendar, and mobile synchronization on one messaging platform.

It also fits businesses running several public sites, online stores with separate cart and payment hostnames, and institutions securing many departmental subdomains. Securing those names on one SSL Certificate keeps coverage consistent. Explore the Trustico® Multi-Domain Range 🔗

Validation and Ordering

A Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) is offered at the Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) levels. Each name on the SSL Certificate must pass Domain Control Validation (DCV) before the Certificate Authority (CA) issues it. Learn About SSL Certificate Validation 🔗

When ordering, generate one Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for the primary name and list every additional name so each is written into the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field. Plan the full list first, because each name has to be validated.

Adding Names Later

To cover an extra name after the SSL Certificate is issued, order an additional Subject Alternative Name (SAN) for your existing Unified Communications Certificate (UCC), and Trustico® adds it to the SSL Certificate. The cost is pro-rated to the validity remaining on your license, so the new name shares the same expiry date.

Managing a Unified Communications Certificate (UCC)

Keep a written record of every name on the SSL Certificate and review it as services are added or retired. Because all names share one expiry date, a single reminder keeps the whole SSL Certificate current.

Track the expiry date carefully, since one lapse would affect every name at once. A reissue is available without charge if the Private Key changes or to claim validity from a multi-year license, and it keeps the same names. Learn About the Reissue Process 🔗