Q&A with Moti Rafalin of WatchDox
VSM: Why did WatchDox launch a new enterprise sync feature for its secure document sharing platform?
MR: The new enterprise sync feature for WatchDox appeals to the end-user expectation for access to all data on all devices in real-time, while also delivering enterprise IT visibility into and control over corporate data. There is increasing demand among business technology users for collaboration tools that are mobile and tablet-friendly and as easy to use as consumer-grade applications. WatchDox released the sync feature to show IT that it’s possible to please users and still meet security requirements.
VSM: Can you tell us a little more about sync? How does it work?
MR: The new feature allows users to sync documents across any device, including PCs, smartphones and tablets, into both personal sync folders and collaborative workspaces. WatchDox also helps them resolve conflicts between multiple versions of the same document, keeping not just individual users but whole teams in sync. IT administrators can set enterprise policies to automatically protect and track synced files. For compliance and visibility purposes, they can also track everything that happens to documents, including when files are accessed, shared and edited. Administrators can even revoke access to individual documents, not just users, even after files have been downloaded. That translates to true visibility for IT and seamless collaboration for users.
VSM: Why does WatchDox take a ‘data-centric’ approach to security?
MR: Even collaboration platforms that invest heavily in enterprise-level security don't address a fundamental lack of control that continues to make the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend risky for IT departments. With the “box” approach, an employee can access any file securely within the confines of that infrastructure, but then easily send it to anyone, anywhere. At that point, IT no longer has any power over its data. And even if enterprise IT has managed to secure documents moving from point A to point B across multiple devices, that doesn’t address the need for control over how documents are used; they can be printed, forwarded, even uploaded to social media. Our data-centric approach wraps each file in a container that ensures the proper access to and use of a document – even if it leaves the enterprise perimeter.
VSM: You mentioned the BYOD trend. Can you cite an example of how WatchDox supports a real enterprise’s BYOD policies?
MR: A customer of ours, the private equity firm Blackstone, deals with sensitive information on a daily basis. The chief information officer wanted to embrace BYOD and support collaboration among partners, portfolio companies, public boards, employees and even board members, by allowing secure access to the firm's sensitive information from any device. By working with WatchDox, Blackstone’s IT management team supports that BYOD vision, increasing productivity while complying with internal and external document security rules. Blackstone now has the power to allow all of these various stakeholders in the company access to sensitive documents whether they’re in the office or traveling. That’s because the IT team can set specific controls on how these documents are used and even revoke access if users leave the company or their clearance levels change.
