Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of using multi-factor and/or inherence-based authentication to selectively enable performance of an operation prior to or during release of code. For example, a user-specific digital signature that identifies a user of a code development service is generated based at least in part on factor(s) obtained from the user as a result of initiating or receiving a request to perform an operation with regard to the code prior to or during the release of the code. Multi-factor and/or inherence-based authentication may be selectively performed based at least in part on the user-specific digital signature. The performance of the operation is selectively enabled based at least in part on whether the user is authenticated.

Abstract: An interface layer and method is provided that permits applications, without modification, to operate with any type of meter. The interface comprises an abstraction layer and library or repository of descriptions specific to each meter type. The abstraction layer provides the capability to communicate with any meter through a variety of applications. Upon receiving an application request, the abstraction layer retrieves the description for the particular meter type from the repository and processes the request. In this manner, only one data representation is needed for applications to communicate with a wide variety of meters.