New Research From Enterprise Strategy Group Recommends Liquid Machines for Persistent Data Loss Prevention

Market Wire, October, 2008

A new research paper issued by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) discusses how organizations large and small are investing in information-centric data security solutions to protect confidential information from being accessed and manipulated by authorized users. In the paper, "Persistent Data Loss Prevention: The Business Case for Liquid Machines and Enterprise Rights Management," Senior Information Security Analyst Jon Oltsik reveals why companies are increasingly deploying Enterprise Rights Management (ERM) software for persistent protection of data when it is at rest, in transit and in use.

ESG conducted interviews with companies across a variety of markets leveraging ERM solutions from the industry's leader, Liquid Machines, to learn more about the technology implementation process, flexibility within the enterprise as well as its benefits. Based upon these interviews, ESG found that many large organizations are choosing Enterprise Rights Management for data loss prevention. These firms identified the need to persistently protect data with access and usage controls that travelled with the data; regardless of whether sensitive data was stored at rest in laptops, file shares, or document management systems; moved across networks using email, FTP or other transmission protocols; or was in use within desktop applications. For these customers, Liquid Machines provided the right combination of access controls, data confidentiality, and usage controls.

"For companies looking to prevent data loss by persistently protecting their sensitive information, we recommend evaluating Liquid Machines' ERM products and services," said Oltsik. "Users we interviewed were consistently pleased with Liquid Machines' comprehensive coverage, strong security, price, and integration with business processes."

Olstik continued: "Data privacy and security requirements grow more crucial and complex each day and status quo physical and technical controls are no longer enough. Point tools, such as Data Loss Prevention and data encryption can help, but large organizations quickly run into vulnerabilities and scaling issues. For these customers, ERM provides the right combination of access controls, data confidentiality and usage controls."

As a direct result of the ubiquity of confidential information, companies commonly implement technologies like data encryption, DLP and data discovery that provide only one security function for enterprises. This approach requires enterprises to deploy complex data security strategies involving products from multiple vendors to work together and protect confidential information. ESG reports that CISOs at large organizations are increasingly moving toward ERM solutions because they integrate the functionality of many data security solutions into one integrated suite that is easy to manage within existing platforms and operating systems.

In the ESG research paper, Oltsik discusses the business case for ERM and Liquid Machines, concluding:

--  ERM Provides Persistent Protection and Comprehensive Coverage -- ERM
    was deemed a better solution than existing controls or assorted data
    security tools by companies in a variety of industries. Users create
    central ERM policies that are then enforced by distributed agent
    technologies on desktops, PDAs, file shares and email repositories.

--  ERM Easily Maps to Business Processes -- A technology's ability to not
    interrupt employees' everyday workflows or business processes was cited as
    a major concern for enterprises. By creating roles and enforcement
    policies, large organizations were able to use ERM to satisfy these needs
    and persistently protect data through its lifecycle even when business
    processes demand policy changes, additional users and data mobility.

--  Liquid Machines' ERM Implementation Best Practices -- Liquid Machines'
    4-phased implementation approach ensured the successful deployment of their
    ERM projects: assessment, planning, pilot and rollout. Unlike previous
    security technologies and projects, these customers leveraged ERM as a way
    to bridge cooperation and collaboration between business and IT managers.
    These best practices for ERM process management allowed users to quantify
    benefits such as improved security, process automation and lower operating
    costs.
    

To receive a copy of the report, "Persistent Data Loss Prevention: The Business Case for Liquid Machines and Enterprise Rights Management," please visit http://www.liquidmachines.com/ga-esg-businesscase-white-paper?num=3 .

About Liquid Machines

Liquid Machines is the leading provider of enterprise rights management (ERM) solutions that prevent the misuse, modification, loss or theft of intellectual property and sensitive information. By applying access and usage controls to the data itself, electronic information is persistently protected while at rest, in transit and in use -- empowering employees to securely collaborate and work with native file formats and applications. A Gold Certified Partner in the Microsoft Partner Program, Liquid Machines enables global companies in the financial services, government, manufacturing, retail and healthcare industries to protect intellectual property regardless of where it goes, generating detailed access and usage reports that demonstrate compliance with privacy and industry regulations. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Liquid Machines is privately held and is backed by Atlas Venture, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Goldman Sachs & Co, Masthead Venture Partners and RRE Ventures. For more information on the company and its vision for The Freedom of Security(TM), please visit www.liquidmachines.com .