IBM and Emulex collaborate on host-based encryption

IT managers are promised a seamless standards-based encryption solution

IBM and Emulex have used the RSA Conference in London to announce a host-based encryption solution for data held and created outside the server.

Emulex said that it will preview the Emulex Secure tool later this week, claiming that it will provide a cost-effective, easy-to-use and secure way to protect data on the network regardless of where it is being held.

"Enterprise key management is an essential feature that security conscious companies demand. Emulex and IBM are taking this to the next step by collaborating on the newly developed Key Management Interoperability Protocol," said Steve Daheb, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of business development at Emulex.

"With this combined solution, IT managers will have a seamless standards-based encryption solution that will enable them to achieve maximum enterprise-wide datacentre protection."

Emulex's Secure HBA technology, a host-based encryption security solution that offloads encryption processing, and IBM's Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager, will be offered as a joint solution.

The firm explained that it could be used to protect data when and where it was created, removing the risk of loss and breaches.

"By combining the market-leading IBM Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager with Emulex's host-based encryption solution, customers can minimise the risk of loss or breach of sensitive information, and facilitate easy compliance management of regulatory standards that are becoming increasingly stringent," said Venkat Raghavan, director of security, risk and compliance for IBM security software.

"This is a powerful, standards-based step for providing security for both virtualised and cloud environments."