Phoenix Technologies Ltd. announced a strategic relationship with Seagate Technology to enable next-generation mobile PC security. Through the agreement, the Phoenix FailSafe service and Phoenix SecureCore firmware will be integrated with Seagate Secure technology.

Phoenix FailSafe allows PC system vendors to embed an innovative command and control system on the notebook PC to help track, control and recover lost or stolen mobile PCs. Users can remotely encrypt, lock and even erase data on lost laptops to protect sensitive or private information. As a result, consumers, small business owners and IT managers will be able to remotely manage mobile PCs, much like mobile phones are managed, through an intuitive Web interface.

Phoenix plans to offer OEMs new Seagate Secure technology platform-based features such as pre-boot authentication and local configuration of the Seagate Secure encrypting hard disk drive security for local PC operation via Phoenix's SecureCore firmware.

Seagate Secure technology is a security platform combining strong, completely automated hardware-based full disk encryption and security, with a programmatic interface that makes it easy to add other software security applications. Phoenix's FailSafe supports Seagate Secure encrypting hard drives to deliver robust data protection, flexibility and end-user transparency under a Web-based management console and policy framework.

Seagate and Phoenix will now enable OEMs to rapidly bring to market new generations of more secure notebook PCs. End users will have more control over their data. In the event the mobile PC is lost or stolen, either Phoenix's SecureCore firmware or FailSafe software and Seagate Secure technology will require users to authenticate themselves to the hard drive before the drive will unlock and the computer will boot up. In addition, users of Phoenix's FailSafe software and services will be able to remotely and cryptographically erase their stored data in seconds, preventing sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

"Seagate is dedicated to partnering with world-class software vendors to build cutting-edge security solutions based on the Seagate Secure hard drive security platform," said John Bedrick, Sr. Director, Strategic Marketing & New Market Development for IT Security. "Phoenix SecureCore firmware gives OEMs and end users control over the Seagate Secure encrypting hard disk drives, while Phoenix FailSafe offers a new level of protection by giving computer users and IT organizations an effective way to protect and erase or recover data on lost or stolen mobile PCs. The Seagate-Phoenix solution provides unmatched data-at-rest protection and peace of mind for mobile PC owners and IT organizations."

"As the industry shifts increasingly to mobile PCs, it is critical to embed advanced theft-deterrence functionality and data security into next-generation laptops," said Surendra Arora, Vice President of Business Development at Phoenix Technologies. "Phoenix FailSafe combined with Seagate Secure technology offers a powerful solution to locate missing laptops, while remotely protecting vital files stored on the hard drive. In today's world, this level of advanced protection is a requirement to ensure sensitive data remains safe from cyber criminals."

Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

Seagate Technology