Detica launches data retention solution

DataRetain can create a link between the CSP's police liaison unit and law enforcers

Technology consultancy Detica today launched a new solution designed to help service providers meet new legal requirements for the retention of communications data.

Detica DataRetain is a software and hardware bundled solution enabling communications service providers (CSPs) to store and access billions of records in a speedy and secure manner, said the firm.

As such, it has been designed to help CSPs comply with the new Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations which came into force in the UK in April, requiring them to store all communications data including email and VoIP call records for at least 12 months.

DataRetain can also be adapted to the customer's own business processes in order to create a link between the CSP's police liaison unit and law enforcers, said Detica.

Simon McHattie, director of the Interception & Compliance Business Unit at Detica, argued that although most CSPs already collect such data, it is often "spread around different computer systems".

"Most CSPs will set up and maintain a separate database, which will need to have the capacity to store a considerable amount of data – tens or even hundreds of billions of records. This could become extremely expensive if they use conventional data warehousing technologies," he said.

"Over and above the significant hardware and software costs, there will also be a sizeable recurring bill for office space, energy usage and staffing.”