The 'key' to secure collaborative working that removes cost, says SCC

The ability to access critical business information anytime and anywhere in a secure and reliable way is becoming ever more important to companies both large and small. They increasingly see it as critical if they are to maintain productivity and create operational efficiencies.

But many organisations have not benefited from the opportunity to create cost savings on their security and support. Now SCC has announced an enhanced link up with security specialist RSA, part of the EMC group, to deliver just that.

Nick Harper, SCC’s Head of Networking and Security, said:

"Organisations at every level require strong, reliable authentication and network access mechanisms that support workflow and routine business processes, without compromising security. Achieving this, whilst actually removing cost and providing adequate user support underpins our combined offer.”

The business drivers are clear. Gartner has indicated that throughout 2009, establishing adequate third-party security and privacy safeguards is the greatest challenge facing companies worldwide. So what are the key issues?

• Protecting and accessing corporate information is an on-going concern.
• There are mobility issues – many organisations lost millions due to workers not being able to get into work this winter, yet RSA SecurID allows you to log in from anywhere.
• Business continuity – keeping the organisation operating in a crisis is a worry.
• Identity management – not really knowing who is accessing what and risking the wrong people getting hold of restricted material.

Nick Harper explains how SCC will work with customers to overcome these challenges:

"We help to reduce costs by up to 30 per cent on secure access to sensitive information from your networks by removing the burden of security administration whilst maintaining 24/7 support, so releasing internal manpower.

“Our specialists can advise on and integrate the latest RSA technologies and software updates to ensure your organisation can benefit from collaborative working to accelerate business decisions. In so doing, we help our customers to maximise their productivity.

“Finally, the RSA software underpins the management of precisely who has access to corporate data, whilst maintaining a comprehensive audit trail that records all access attempts.”

RSA technology has a lengthy history of proven success for customers. For example, SecurID authentication has helped Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars migrate their dealer extranet onto the internet to achieve significant cost and efficiency benefits, providing secure web access to valuable and detailed technical data for dealers in over 80 countries.

And, in a move to increase the visibility of officers on the streets, it developed a mobile solution for Staffordshire Police allowing the 'beat bobby' secure access to the Police National Computer databases, including all key systems and information.