IBM SMB Servers Get Hardware-Based Encryption

With a new $1,099(and up) hardware-based data encryption device, IBM is talking directly to small and midsize businesses that operate their own servers (their own meaning IBM's.)Big Blue's System x VAULT data encryption tool, for use with IBM System x server models x3650, x3400 and x3500 servers, imposes a password (they call it a key) requirement between encrypted hard disk data and users.

Because the encryption is hardware-based, sever overhead is less taxed than by software-based encryption.

According to IBM, the new RAID device solves the problem of disposing of hard disks (or having them stolen) by rendering the data they contain inaccessible without the appropriate key/password.

Good for them -- and anyone running IBM servers should certainly take a hard look at, to give it its full name, the IBM System x ServeRAID-MR10is VAULT -- but I still say that no hard disk should be disposed of until it's been wiped, run over, crushed, burned, etc. -- and you should probably hold onto the ashes. Suspenders, belt and more suspenders, I guess, but at least you'll lower the odds of getting caught with your pants down.

VAULT pricing starts at $1,099; the device will be available from IBM and IBM business partners before the end of the month.

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