+ /**
+ * @param start
+ * the date from which on the certificate should be valid. (or
+ * null if it should be valid instantly)
+ * @param period
+ * the period for which the date should be valid. (a
+ * <code>yyyy-mm-dd</code> or a "2y" (2 calendar years), "6m" (6
+ * months)
+ * @return A job which can be used to monitor the progress of this task.
+ * @throws IOException
+ * for problems with writing the CSR/SPKAC
+ * @throws SQLException
+ * for problems with writing to the DB
+ * @throws GigiApiException
+ * if the period is bogus
+ */
+ public Job issue(Date start, String period) throws IOException, SQLException, GigiApiException {