The move coincides with the release of version 3.0 of the Lifetime Key Management appliance from Decru, which is owned by Network Appliance Inc.
The quality and ease-of-use of key management is the major differentiator between encryption systems. This is the factor that Decru is attempting to exploit, by launching an API-access program that will allow its key management appliance to be handle keys from third-party products incorporating encryption functions, such as backup tools, and both mid-range and high-end tape drives.
Decru said that backup software vendor Symantec Corp, and tape drive maker Quantum Corp have become charter members of its OpenKey API access program. Symantec’s NetBackup software will be integrated with the Decru key management appliance by the third quarter, Decru said. No schedule was given by Quantum for any similar integration.
Decru’s largest rival is NeoScale Systems Inc. NeoScale launched a key management system in March this year, alongside an open-API program. At that time NeoScale did not name any third-parties that had committed to exploiting the API, but said: All of the major encryption [tape] drive and backup software vendors are talking to us.
