Pointsec, a Sweden-based company has developed an encryption security solution, which would prevent leakage of data from mobile devices.

The software encrypts the data and the moment any unauthorized person tries to access it, the whole data gets corrupted and becomes gibberish. Currently, the software is available for full disc encryption in PCs, mobile phones and PDAs. The software also enables administrators to block access to specific data or provision data access for a limited period.

The company started its India operation in May 2005 and targets to capture at least 70 per cent of the existing encryption software market share in 2006–07. Altaf Halde, national sales manager, Pointsec India spoke to Arunima Nath of CyberMedia News about his company's India plans. Excerpts:

How big is the encryption software market in India? How is Pointsec doing in the Indian market?

Encryption for endpoint devices is a growing market in its first year and it is too premature to predict the software market size in India. However, I would say, the encryption market would be five per cent of the total Indian IT security market. But this is growing at a rapid pace.

We have many large customers in India in the BFSI and IT-enabled services. We are focusing on various verticals, the major focus being on Back Office operations, Software Development Companies and Healthcare Organisations. Wipro BPO (some locations) and ITC CLi3 are using our software solutions. In the US, we work closely with the FBI.

Which mobile devices would support the software?

We protect mobile devices like laptops, desktop hard disks, external storage devices and memory sticks. We protect mobiles, which work on Windows Operating System (OS), Symbian OS and Palm OS.

Do you have tie-ups with mobile manufacturing companies in India?

In India, we have not done any local tie-up. But, the Imate handheld devices and smart phones that are being shipped to India, come pre-bundled with Pointsec encryption software.

What is your go-to-market strategy?

We have appointed Select Technologies as our national distributor. Select is a part of WEP and is headquartered in Bangalore with offices across 10 locations in India - Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Kochi. They have 118 partners all across the country, who are focused on IT security products.

Pointsec solutions enable the companies to successfully comply with various clauses in compliance in countries like US, Japan, where IT compliance rules are already in place. Today if an India-based BPO unit is making a pitch for a US client, which is a Financial Institute, mentions in its sales pitch that it is using a Data Encryption Solution that is BITS certified, it will be easier for the client to take a decision in his favor. We are using this strategy to target customers.

How is the response globally, in the markets that you have launched?

We have received a good response from international markets. The major reason being the Compliance factor. Many US, UK and Japan-based organizations have to comply to various IT legislations. And all major IT legislations give a lot of importance to data security.

© CyberMedia News