Check Point and Protect Data: What it means

Just before the Thanksgiving break, Check Point Software grabbed Protect Data for just north of $500m.  Why?  Protect Data owns PointSec, a leader in PC encryption software.

ESG thinks this is a great move in the short term as large organizations are aggressively deploying PC encryption tools to protect against the "whoops" factor around lost of stolen systems.  But with drive-based encryption from Seagate on one side and Windows Vista BitLocker on the other, Check Point has to execute quickly or watch its investment whither on the vine.

See my latest C/net blog for more about this intriguing saga. 

Time to Talk Up TCG!

Remember ESG's tag line that "security is far worse than you think?"  Well there is some hope.  The Trusted Computing Group is quietly creating standards that may impact the entire IT and communications industries.

So what's wrong?  TCG remains an industry secret and that's a big problem.  See my latest C/net blog for details on the industry's TCG silence and what must be done. 

Check Point By the Number$

Check Point Software is the Rodney Dangerfield of security -- it gets no respect.  ESG believes that there is good reason for this, see my recent C/net blog where I look at Check Point's financials as proof that even Wall Street thinks the company is on a slow road to nowhere. 

What's new with PCI?

Plenty!  A new specification, new brand members, and a new customer-centric organization focused on education, training, and certification.  Read more on my recent C/net blog:  http://news.com.com/2061-11203_3-6132040.html.

Jumpin' Juniper

Earlier this year, Juniper was getting beaten up by Wall Street for its lack of new products and stock option issues.  Judging by more recent activities, I'd say Juniper is on its way back.  Why?  Here is a link to the C/net blog I recently wrote that makes the case.