RSA, Symantec Strengthen Ties

RSA Security and Symantec have expanded a previous partnerhip to safeguard data for joint customers, the companies said this morning.

Under the deal, RSA’s Secure ID two-factor identification system will be used with Symantec’s pcAnywhere software, an application that allows users and nework administrators to remotely access files and resolve server and workstation problems from any Internet-connected computer.

SecureID will help ensure that only authorized users connect to a pcAnywhere host. The application requires users to identify themselves with two factors — a personal identification number and a security token — before they can access confidential information.

“(With the combined offering), our customers have a solution that is designed to provide an increased level of security for the management of users accessing the system and for the privacy of file transfer,” said Greg Gotta, a vice president with Cupertino, Calif.-based Symantec.

The firms have collaboarted before. Symantec already uses RSA BSAFE encryption software to guard the privacy and confidentiality in the pcAnywhere 11.0 product. Likewise, Symantec’s VPN products also support RSA SecurID authentication.

Financial terms of the latest agreement were not disclosed.

In other RSA news, the Bedford, Mass.-based company named James K. Sims as non-executive chairman of the board of directors, taking over for Charles Stuckey, who resigned the post after seven years.

Sims has 35 years experience in the IT industry. He is currently founder and executive chairman of Gen3 Partners in Cambridge and was previous CEO of the consulting firm Cambridge Technology Partners.