Data Governance for Dummies: Part 2 (The Replica Data Security Solution)

In my last blog I explored the Data Governance world and was surprised about the rather “inside out” look by most of the published theory focusing on the structured corporate data contained in enterprise systems. Since the majority of the corporate information is not-structured and is free floating on portable appliances, I looked for interesting solutions that are emerging to resolve this high risk.

One very pragmatic solution I got involved with some time ago started as technological solution overcoming the sloppy discipline around backup of information in distributed and remote environments. Although seeing the value of this I argued at the time that yet another backup solution would not change the world. But because the product not only delivered what it promised but also showed some nice that governance side effects, I kept involved to see the solution mature into a pragmatic data governance supporting solution.

The key breakthrough was based upon the recognition that mobile, remote stored files are a given thing. The word “files” is used on purpose to include pdf‘s, mail, mail attachments, printouts, graphics etc. that all contain corporate and often confidential information. I only have to refer to the numerous press clippings on lost notebooks, usb-sticks and pda‘s to make us all aware of the gigantic risks and damage control cost involved.

By making implicit secure controlled access to any file, at anytime, from anywhere the backbone of their solution, Replica Data Security have found a means of overcoming the most worrying and costly aspects of day-to-day data governance:

• Traffic: all file transfers are encrypted, allowing for use of public internet connections
• Theft: all files are stored in an encrypted way on all storage locations
• Community: all file access and handling is secure role based
• Discipline: all required file handling and backup is done automatically
• Traceability: all file access is closed looped and logged
• Storage: all file duplicates within the information sharing group are removed
• Bandwidth: all files version are handled as delta‘s giving massive upload savings…

Not surprisingly old-school IT staff is skeptical about solutions like the above. They rather would see diskless netbooks, blocked usb-ports, forbid to sent attachments with emails and any other spastic return to the good old mainframe thinking. I think they should embrace this new trend to make the best of the irreversible trend of ever more mobile users.

Do you agree?

This blog is part of a series of blogs on Information and Data Governance:

1. Data Governance for Dummies: Part 1 (Business Requirements)
2. Data Governance for Dummies: Part 2 (The Replica Data Security Solution) (this blog)
3. Master Data: Business Asset or Cash-flow Burner?
4. How to beat the Master Data implementation challenge?
5. Master Data Management and Information Modeling: End or Means
6. Information Governance Solves the Challenges of IT Governance and Data Governance! Or?
7. Reduce business complexity, and rise your EBIT!

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This blog is written by Hans van Nes. Hans is a very experienced interim manager and management consultant. You can contact Hans by email.