Local is 'lekker' when banking data

Secure, locally provided, on-demand data banking is within the grasp of South African companies with a new, plug-and-play storage solution, DataVault, which gives access to stored data via an e-mail client using any Internet-connected computer or device.

The solution, which enables advanced collaboration, end-to-end encryption and anytime, anywhere access to data, is designed and delivered by local IT security specialist, Securicom. This means that subscribing companies' data stays local - a non-negotiable when it comes to good governance and legal compliance.

DataVault can be integrated with Securicom's innovative e-mail archiving solution, MailVault, which also plugs into an e-mail client such as Outlook. Together, these solutions provide a central, convenient point for safely accessing all archived e-mails and data to support business continuity.

According to Securicom's Operations Director, Dries Morris, DataVault is an answer to customer demand for a safe, locally based data bank service.

“We asked our customers what they want, and local 'data bank' came up time and time again. Companies are buckling under the strain of ever-burgeoning data volumes. Cloud-based storage trumps traditional storage infrastructure because it enables companies to accommodate expanding data volumes without buying new servers, scrounging for rack space in the server room, or allocating resources to manage it. They also don't have to worry about not being able to buy storage infrastructure, due to component shortages that have become prevalent due to disasters and downturns in countries where storage hardware and devices are produced.

“But, data security and accessibility are the big concerns with cloud storage. A lot of companies are led to believe by storage service providers that their data is stored in South Africa. However, this is not the case. Data is backed up to data centres around the world without the companies being aware. When the time comes that they want to access or move the data, they find they can't because they are subject to the laws of the country where the data resides.

“We've taken those concerns out of the equation with DataVault. The on-demand nature of DataVault offers cost-cutting opportunities for companies as well. Organisations only pay for what they need.

“There are plenty of opportunities to save money when storage can be scaled up or down on an ad hoc needs basis. This is significant with data volumes increasing rapidly at a rate in excess of 50% per year,” says Morris.

DataVault essentially brings traditional 'bulk' cloud storage within the reach of every business, regardless of size. Companies can subscribe to the service on a per-user basis, which means costs are controlled and predictable. There is also a prepaid option whereby companies pay upfront for a storage quota based on their requirements. The storage quota can be split between users in specified allotments. With the third payment option, “pay-as-you-use”, companies only pay for what they use, with the flexibility to scale up or scale back on storage at will, to accommodate seasonal and weekly demand.

The solution delivers top-notch security. Files are encrypted in transit and at rest at Securicom's high-security data centres. Securicom's data centres are local, so companies know that their data isn't shacked up somewhere else in the world where they have no idea or control of how secure it is.

While providing optimal security, DataVault also delivers flexible, on-demand access to data. Integrated with Outlook, users can access, upload and share their data from a laptop, desktop or any supported smartphone. Companies can use DataVault for reliable, off-site back up of information to support fast data recovery and business continuity in the event of a disaster or a system failure. The system can also be used for purely archiving purposes.

DataVault has clever capabilities for managing, sharing and editing documents and files from a private or public interface. For instance, multiple files can be uploaded to the central repository where they can be accessed, shared and edited by multiple users. It features document version control as well as a messaging module to facilitate notifications and communications to and between users.

“It is a smart, flexible and cost-effective solution to mounting storage needs. Like a bank account, you tap into it when you need it,” he concludes.