Protecting Sensitive Content and Intellectual Property (IP)
For many businesses, especially those in the B2B model, catalog content contains sensitive information (such as confidential price lists, exclusive technical details, or new product strategies).
A) Access Control
A professional catalog operates beyond a simple public link:
- Password Protection: You can restrict access to the entire catalog or specific pages (e.g., bulk pricing pages) only to those with a specific password. This ensures that only business partners or the sales team have access to confidential information.
- IP and Email Restriction: At an advanced level, it is possible to restrict access only to internal company IP addresses or a list of verified emails (e.g., domains of business partners).
B) Preventing Unauthorized Copying and Downloading
One of the main concerns in online publishing is content theft by competitors. Secure platforms allow you to:
- Completely disable the download and print options.
- Block text copying via Right-Click.
- Dynamic Watermark: In some cases, invisible watermarks or watermarks containing the viewer's name are automatically embedded on the pages so that any attempt at unauthorized screenshotting and sharing can be traced.
Adherence to Privacy and Customer Data Collection
The collection of behavioral data (Analytics) within the catalog must be done with full responsibility.
A) Data Anonymization
Reputable platforms collect general behavioral data (like total clicks or flipping time) in a way that is anonymous by default. Customers' personal and identifying information (such as name and email) is only collected when the customer consciously and willingly fills out Lead Forms within the catalog.
B) Privacy Compliance
For businesses with a global audience, adherence to regulations like GDPR (in Europe) or other regional standards is vital. The smart catalog must provide users with the capability for Cookie Management and the provision of clear, accessible privacy policies.
Maintaining Control and Content Ownership in the Long Term
Choosing the right platform means maintaining complete control and ownership over the produced content, even after publication.
A) Publishing Under a Custom Domain
ing a Custom Domain for catalog publication (e.g., catalog.yourbrand.com) instead of the platform's address not only strengthens branding but also clearly indicates that the content is directly owned by your brand. This is critically important for both building trust and SEO.
B) Full Control Over Updates
The ability to update catalog content without changing the link (as discussed in Article 14) is a security and operational advantage. This means if an error is found in pricing or technical information, you can correct it immediately without losing previous links or worrying about customers accessing outdated, error-containing versions.
Final Words
The smart catalog is a tool at the forefront of customer interaction, and as such, it must be held to the highest security standards. By implementing Access Management features (password and IP), protecting Intellectual Property (preventing copying and downloading), and adhering to transparent privacy principles in data collection, businesses can gain the trust of their customers and confidently protect their information and content assets against any threat or misuse. Catalog security is complementary to your sales success.
