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Tape Encryption Devices: Host-based vs. Appliance: Page 8 of 13

Installation was a breeze. We popped the PCI card into our Dell server and followed the detailed step-by-step instructions. These included installing a driver onto the host and configuring at least one biometric device to boot up the appliances on the network. In our configuration, the SecureData authentication appliances sat on the same network as our hosts; they performed authentication and key management only. Additional appliances can be added as necessary, though a typical installation requires only two for failover purposes. In addition, these devices can be clustered across networks, allowing the installation of a remote key cluster right at your disaster-recovery site. (See possible setups in the diagram at left.)

Our storage system Fibre Channel links plugged into the PCI card on each host, and we were ready to go.

We performed configuration and management for the Assurency SecureData Appliances through a software package, the Assurency SecureData Manager, installed on any host on the same network. The interface was straightforward and easy to walk through. Once configured, data encryption was completely transparent; our storage devices were accessed just as they were before the appliance and PCI card installation. It should be noted that one of Assurency SecureData's strongest benefits is the ability to use the same appliances and configuration with any combination of backup implementation, tape or not; it even provides for encrypting shares and SAN volumes.

Because encryption takes place before the data hits the wire, Kasten Chase's approach has a slight security edge over NeoScale's, but the cost difference is anything but slight. Each Assurency SecureData Appliance costs $27,950, and you'll need two at each site. Each Assurency ACA-800 CryptoAccelerator runs $4,150, and Assurency Server Encryption Drivers cost $1,950. So you're looking at an MSRP starting price of around $62,000.

Assurency SecureData Appliance, ACA-2400 CryptoAccelerator and Server Encryption Driver, $62,000, as tested, with two appliances, one card and one driver. Kasten Chase, (800) 263-1448, (905) 238-6900. www.kastenchase.com