Starting with OpenEdge 12.6, ESAM services offer protected access control over the OpenEdge root install path or <DLC>. OpenEdge runtime components use these services to cryptographically validate the authenticity of the <DLC> directory path before runtime operations utilize artifacts, such as configuration files, within the OpenEdge space. By using a secure service to validate the integrity of the OpenEdge root install path <DLC>, OpenEdge Administrators gain better control over the runtime environment of an installation. An AVM-based or OpenEdge-based application and its stored artifacts gain protection from within the secured root install path <DLC>.