C/D/H Talks Tech

Author:

Eric Inch

I enjoy learning, using and helping others through technology. This is my second year with C/D/H after many years of consulting for numerous small and mid-sized companies. I enjoy challenging projects and continual improvement in all areas. Most recently, I have been working to help grow the virtualization practice at C/D/H and hopefully add that area to the already impressive expertise in infrastructure consulting at C/D/H.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have two little girls who keep me extremely busy but are always the highlight of my day.

For a more in-depth bio and a list of my areas of expertise, please visit http://www.cdh.com.

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Articles by Eric Inch

Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of data is an ongoing challenge for all companies. Files are inadvertently printed and left on the printer or forwarded outside of the company. A great security feature available with Windows Server 2003 and improved in Windows Server 2008 is Rights Management Services (RMS). Now called Active Directory Rights Management Services, RMS allows companies to provide security over files wherever they may be.

 RMS provides file level security for Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and InfoPath. In addition to these desktop level applications, RMS also provides integration with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) to provide security for files stored in content management solutions.

The only user requirement (outside of being assigned access) for accessing RMS protected files is to have an RMS client. The RMS client is included in Microsoft Windows Vista and is available for Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP Professional. To create protected documents you need at least Office Professional Plus 2007 or Office Professional Edition 2003. To access protected documents you need Office 2007 Professional or Standard or Office Standard 2003.

File level security setting with RMS includes the ability to control who can read, edit and print files as well as who has the ability to reply or forward RMS protected content through the email system. Restricting security settings can help eliminate data leakage through email. The best part – the security is connected with the file and follows it wherever it goes so only authorized users will have access. In addition to these configurable security restrictions, RMS also encrypts the protected files. How sweet is that? But I’m not done! You also have the ability to configure file expiration or revoke access to files.

I guess the question is – who will really use this technology? Hopefully everyone reading this blog and anyone interested in providing a higher level of security within his or her organization. Basically everyone using the Microsoft Office suite and anyone currently using MOSS. But if for some reason you aren’t using RMS, I highly recommend you look at this technology.