Kiwi firm in wireless data backup alliance

By Stuart Finlayson

New Zealand-based data backup service provider Sprite Software has formed a partnership with US-based Credant Technologies that will help organisations securely back up data on wireless devices.

Credant, which specialises in security and encryption for wireless devices, will work with Sprite to add security to Sprite's range of data and application backup software for handheld devices.

Sprite's technology is very useful for mobile workers as it automatically backs up data on a separate memory card in the event of device failure, whereas normally in the event of a battery failure, all the information would be wiped.

The problem with the Sprite technology is the lack of security measures in place, meaning that an unauthorised person could potentially access sensitive information. That is where Credent comes in, as it is to offer its Mobile Guardian security product together with Sprite's products. Mobile Guardian automatically enforces user authentication before the recovery process begins - creating a trusted environment for “in-the-field” recovery.

"Loss of battery power is the number one reason why handheld devices reset back to factory defaults deleting all applications, data and security contained on them," stated Sean Connolly, Managing Director, Sprite Software. “Sprite addressed the problem from a systems management perspective and Credant addressed it from a security perspective - the combination results in a solution that is unsurpassed in the industry."

"Maintaining a balance between deployment, backup, recovery and security becomes much more difficult in mobile environments where users are remote and may not always have access to network resources or help desk support," said Bob Heard, President and CEO, Credant. "Adding this mobile systems management functionality to the Credant Mobile Guardian platform addresses critical gaps in mobile computing and marks another milestone in our overall strategy to deliver the most comprehensive solution for the mobile and wireless ecosystem."

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