October 27, 2008, 9:30 AM — With more states passing rigorous encryption legislation, businesses of all sizes--and in all locations--are having to pay attention to encrypting data, hard drives, and email. Most recently, Massachusetts passed a law, which takes effect January 1, which requires all businesses to encrypt data contained on any portable device, that contains any personal information about Massachusetts residents. The far-reaching law also mandates stringent security procedures, including user authentication and authorization.
Government mandates like this are always good news for VARs that sell relevant technology. PGP has just released a managed service provider (MSP) program as a way to make access to encryption solutions a lot easier for small businesses and the mid-market. The program will allow VARs to offer a SaaS version of PGP's Whole Disk Encryption software, taking advantage of two hot trends--encryption, and SaaS. VARs will be getting a good margin on this service with recurring revenues.
Encryption is going to be a hot seller, especially as more states pass encryption legislation, and this is a great way for small businesses to get compliant easily.
