When it comes to securing critical enterprise data, PCs and laptops are oft neglected, according to Provo, Utah-based Novell Inc. and Hopkinton, Mass.-based EMC Corp. The two firms unveiled Tuesday a joint automated PC back-up solution.
The solution brings together two storage products – Novell iFolder and EMC Automated Networked Storage – to automate the security of critical data on corporate PCs, particularly laptops that are prone to being lost or stolen, the companies said.
The joint solution allows users to back-up files and make those files accessible via the Internet. Novell iFolder will automatically back up critical data to EMC’s Symmetrix and CLARiiON networked storage systems, the companies said, adding that the complementary technologies are designed to prevent data loss without relying on actions by the end user.
The solution is now available through existing Novell and EMC sales channels.
It seems like a no-brainer, but according to Toronto-based storage research manager Alan Freedman at IDC Canada Ltd., securing critical data on business PCs and laptops isn’t necessarily top-of-mind in the enterprise.
When enterprises think about backing up data, they immediately think of servers, Freedman said.
“I think that people are looking first and foremost at more of the hot issues (such as) business continuance and disaster recovery. Once they get into the details, they realize that to capture a lot of that information to keep the company running, you have to a have a better back up to the client or client solution,” Freedman continued.
“One good thing about this announcement is that it’s bringing forward the idea to the forefront that the you really have to take a look at backing up your clients more efficiently.”