Protecting data with iFolder
http://www.ctimes.com.my/TECH/Computimes/BusinessNews/20021202105546/wartrevamp
2nd December 2002 (Computimes)
By FERINA MANECKSHA WITH the alarming statistics on data loss as well as personal computer (PC) and notebook theft, Novell Asia-Pacific has introduced iFolder, a file management and back-up solution. According to its corporate technology strategist John Phillips, iFolder is the answer to data access which once used to be held hostage by machine dependence or location. "It enables synchronisation, back-up and access of data from anywhere - whether working on the office or home computer, a disconnected notebook or even at an Internet kiosk halfway around the world - and at anytime," he said. Data is instantly backed up so that files are always protected and easily recovered in case of data loss. Later when working at a different location or on a different PC, files are automatically updated to reflect work done elsewhere with no floppy diskettes or file transfers required, Phillips explained. According to research firms, more than 60 per cent of corporate data resides on desktops and laptops while up to 96 per cent of business PCs are not being backed up. About 35 per cent of all PCs sold to businesses are laptops, and up to 15 per cent or more of laptops are stolen or suffer hardware failure. Of the 2.3 million insurance claims for notebook computer loss last year, 25 per cent are theft-related - an increase of 53 per cent since 2000. "As such, a comprehensive data protection plan cannot stop at the server. With so much information at stake, corporations need an effective way of protecting data without putting the burden of PC back-up on the end user," Phillips said. According to him, there are currently between 10 and 20 corporations across all vertical industries in Asia deploying iFolder. He said many potential users are also evaluating the service. "However, we are seeing a tremendous uptake from the ISPs (Internet service providers) and the telcommunications sector deploying iFolder as a hosted service within the Internet." The iFolder Standard Edition package is bundled with NetWare 6, enabling automatic synchronisation of files to the iFolder server and other machines through any standard Internet connection. Files are encrypted to protect them from unauthorised access and the iFolder server can be managed through a Web browser. The Professional Edition is sold separately, and it includes support for Windows NT/2000, Linux and Solaris operating systems. It provides reporting features for billing and management, and personal digital assistant (PDA) access to iFolder files. Price of iFolder is US$49 (RM185) per user licence. |
