SSL certificates

Is there a difference?

[Tonearm]

Is there a functional difference between the different SSL certificates that claim 99% browser recognition? For example:

GoDaddy SSL
RapidSSL
GeoTrust QuickSSL
Verisign SSL

These all claim a 99% browser recognition rate but they vary widely in price. Is there any difference between them from my customers' point of view assuming my customers aren't specifically interested in who I got my SSL cert from?

- Grant

[bill]

My company has a policy in place that says I have to use a Verisign cert on my servers. I would prefer the cheaper certs, but when you're running a global operation the security of a big name cert keeps management placated.

[phantombookman]

A lot depends on your client base. For me all that really matters is that the padlock symbol appears and that not warning boxes come up.

I suspect a lot of customers in many areas are clueless to this and just want to see the padlock

[Tonearm]

Will the padlock appear for any browser that recognizes the certificate? 99% right?

[bill]

The trouble you run into is that the older and more expensive certs are recognized by just about every browser out there. The newer and cheaper certs are sometimes not included, so you end up with troubles on your client end.

Your customers probably won't care as long as the get that lock showing, but that could depend on your industry. Bigger ticket items may warrant a more professional cert in the eyes of discerning shoppers.