The first open source generic communication protocol between a Key Manager and an encrypting device has been released by Sun, enabling partners to adopt this protocol to securely handle encryption keys without additional licensing. The protocol is implemented as a complete toolkit and is downloadable from OpenSolaris under the project name Crypto KMS Agent Toolkit.

The protocol is available to customers using the Sun StorageTek KMS 2.0 Key Manager and Sun StorageTek T9840D, T10000A, T10000B Enterprise Drives, as well as Sun StorageTek HP LTO4 drives shipped in Sun libraries.

“Open Storage solutions allow customers to break free from the chains of proprietary hardware and software and this new protocol extends this lifeline into the expensive and highly fragmented encryption market,” said Jason Schaffer, senior director, storage product management, Sun. “Open source equals customer value for encryption solutions and Sun now offers the only solution on the market that works across multiple vendors and suppliers.”

Sun said it is releasing the protocol as open source to help unify the technology. The company is working with industry partners and standards bodies such as IEEE 1619.3 Working Group and OASIS to further develop and formalize the interface as an industry standard.

Some Sun partners also are developing products based on this protocol, including EMC, whose RSA security division has talked about releasing it as an option on their RKM Key Manager. IBM drive division is working on supporting this protocol for their IBM LTO4 drive shipped in Sun Libraries. Additionally, Sun has shared this protocol with numerous other industry partners including computer OEMs, back up application providers, disk array and switch manufacturers.

More Information

OpenSolaris Project: Crypto KMS Agent Toolkit

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Crypto KMS 2.x

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