Cloud startup Bitglass launches privacy-centric security platform
Cloud apps are taking off in the enterprise thanks to increased demand for business agility and heightening frustration with traditional sign-off procedures. But, while users may see immediate benefits from bypassing their organization’s antiquated controls, their CIOs are left with a governance nightmare that’s perpetuated by a lack of visibility and central enforcement capabilities.
Enter Bitglass, a one-year-old startup with $10 million in funding from New Enterprise Associates and Norwest Venture Partners. The startup announced today that it has emerged from stealth mode, offering a cloud-based security platform that aims to turn this aforementioned shadow IT into an advantage.
The firm’s product is similar to the service hub CA Technologies unveiled earlier this month, but it differentiates on user experience and privacy. Bitglass says that its offering can be deployed across an organization in minutes, without installing special software on employee devices, changing firewall policies or imposing restrictions on how cloud applications are accessed.
Most importantly, the service only gives IT control over corporate data; this means that users can use the same apps for personal and work-related activities without worrying about nosy administrators. “We utilize cloud apps and mobile devices in our personal lives because they are easy to use, anytime, anywhere,” commented Nat Kausik, cofounder and CEO of Bitglass. “Naturally, we also want to use this technology in the workplace. Bitglass enables IT to move forward with these technologies, providing security for the organization and a frictionless experience for employees.”
For companies, Bitglass provides a reverse proxy that watermarks downloaded files for easy tracking. Business information can selectively be wiped from a device in case of theft or loss. Built-in analytics functionality provides insight into compliance and security risks. The package also includes access controls and a single sign-on mechanism that can be swapped with an existing identity management solution.
Suzanne Kattau contributed to this story.
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