Business Objects Touts 128-bit EncryptionBusiness Objects Touts 128-bit Encryption

Ventana QuickTake™

Business Objects announced that its flagship XI business intelligences software suite uses 128-bit encryption in its standard version. Business Objects claims this raises the bar for encryption in BI suites. However, Business Objects is not the only BI vendor with 128-bit encryption. Others, like Cognos and MicroStrategy, also offer this as an option. Encryption capabilities are regulated by US and other export laws, which impacts whether a vendor ships 128-bit encryption as an option or as standard.

Business intelligence data often contains critical business information. And with computer hacking, information theft, and computer fraud on the rise, organizations need to ensure their BI systems are safe. Encrypting BI systems is not simply a ‘plug and play’ exercise. Architects and developers must balance the need for security with the need for performance. Organizations defining RFPs and conducting software evaluations should assess the specifics of where encryption is most needed, rather than just applying it universally without performance considerations.

Eric Rogge is VP and research director for Business Intelligence & Performance Management at Ventana Research. Write to him at [email protected].

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