RATING BREAKDOWN
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QUICK READ
- Strengths: Appliance-based. Centralized capabilities to apply encryption policies across different applications.
- Weaknesses: Even though the solution supports various applications, it’s limited to the Windows 2003 operating system.
- Verdict: The solution’s concept is excellent, but would benefit from increased features and additional OS support to form a truly enterprise-wide solution.
SafeNet DataSecure File System Connector is an appliance-based solution that helps to secure sensitive information located on file servers, databases and applications. Currently, Windows 2003 is supported for securing file shares, but various flavors of databases (Oracle, DB2, MS SQL) and applications (z/OS, JCE, .NET, etc.) can be secured via software connectors. The appliance is coupled with a software component installed on Windows 2003 servers that works in conjunction with the hardware.
We were able to setup the appliance in just a few minutes, entering in the basic networking information, then using the web interface for the rest of the configuration. Installing and configuring our Windows 2003 test server to integrate with the appliance was fairly straightforward, with the exception of one minor detail we encountered regarding the bootstrap and shared secret installation for the server component.
The web-based interface is easy to navigate and contains several useful features for controlling how encryption is used, and the various permissions associated with encrypting, decrypting or blocking access to files for certain users or groups. Policies are created and then synchronized with the software component that is installed on the server.
Documentation was adequate for the setup of the appliance and installation/configuration of the accompanying software component. We thought that the tasks outlined in the user guide could have been a bit clearer.
Pricing for the solution starts at $39,950, and includes the hardware and software components. Support options include basic phone, email and web-based support, as well as additional support levels that range from 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price.
The concept for centralized management of encryption policies across multiple platforms is a good one, but for the money, we would like to see more operating systems supported to increase the value and support of the overall vision.
