Syncplicity Expands Security Capabilities

Syncplicity LLC announced a series of updates to its solution that further addresses potential issues with changing European data protection regulations.

The October 6 decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) rendered the previous Safe Harbor framework between the U.S. and European Union (EU) invalid. As a result of the ruling, many Europe-based organizations using U.S.-based cloud storage services are potentially out of compliance with EU privacy regulations. At the same time, most of these cloud-based storage solutions are ill-suited to help customers become compliant.

In addition to its hybrid cloud solution, the company is adding a European-based cloud storage option as well as an EU-based cloud orchestration layer to give customers even more ways to secure their critical data. The company includes model clauses in its cloud services agreements, providing a legal framework to uphold the data protection requirements of the EU.

“While the recent ECJ decisions have caused uncertainty for many companies and their cloud storage service providers, Syncplicity has long been an industry leader in providing a flexible architecture to meet data residency requirements,” said Brian W. Levine, senior director, security and compliance, Syncplicity. “These added options will ensure our customers meet data protection requirements while regulators in the U.S. and Europe work to sort out a new Safe Harbor framework.”

European-based cloud storage
Company’s European cloud storage option lets customers select European-based clouds as the only repository for their files. This feature empowers customers to select the storage region of their choice with one click and without any additional configuration or setup. This is an enhancement and extension to company’s hybrid cloud option, which allows customers to set up their own private cloud in the region of their choice, store files on-premises and/or use Syncplicity’s public clouds.

European-based cloud orchestration layer
The company’s cloud orchestration layer in Europe will allow customers to sever the connection between European storage clouds and the U.S.-based control plane. This capability allows organizations to store and process metadata, such as usernames, email addresses, and file names, in Europe.

Some cloud storage providers have announced plans to open cloud storage datacenters in Europe, but their U.S.-based data centers will remain as the central hub for managing their customers’ personal data, folders, and file names. In contrast, when the company launches the EU orchestration layer in 2016, customers that do not want any data associated with their files to cross the Atlantic can use company’s completely European-based infrastructure.

Cloud service agreement updates
The company has added model clauses to its cloud services agreement, putting safeguards in place to uphold and protect fundamental privacy rights and freedoms of individuals. The clauses provide a legal framework to meet the data protection requirements of the European Union while also incorporating contracts for the transfer of personal data to third countries.

Hybrid cloud
While the company has always provided enterprises with a policy-driven hybrid cloud, which enables organizations to decide which data is stored in a public vs. private cloud and in what region, these updates provide a more comprehensive array of security options for global companies, allowing them to truly customize the solution to meet their needs.

“Syncplicity’s mission is to provide the most secure and easy-to-use enterprise file sync and share solution in the market, and with these updates, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our enterprise customers that are located outside the United States or have international operations,” said Jonathan Huberman, CEO, Syncplicity.