Columbitech Provides Complete Security Against Data Breaches, Protects Retailers Wireless Security Investments
Software-based security solution costs only one-tenth of ripping and replacing equipment, extending the life of existing wireless systems
New York – August 11, 2008 – Columbitech, a leading security software provider, today announced its mobile VPN protects retailers existing wireless equipment to comply with updated Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Utilizing Columbitech’s software-based mobile VPN, retailers can now ensure complete security against data breaches while protecting their investment in wireless equipment, including legacy devices such as mobile computers, scanners, scales, access points, point-of-sale devices (POS) and printers, avoiding costly rip-and-replace scenarios and enabling them to easily upgrade their software to meet future industry standards.
Retailers are under strong pressure to comply with the PCI DSS requirements and are often forced to replace fully functional wireless devices due to inadequate security and to comply with new industry standards. Along with purchasing new equipment, they must also pay for installation, training and maintenance. Columbitech’s mobile VPN is compatible with new and existing legacy devices so retailers do not have to replace old hardware. Instead, they can make a simple software upgrade to ensure full security and compliance. This saves a significant amount of time and money.
Today, as an example, an average retailer faces a total cost per store of approximately several thousand dollars to upgrade or replace their existing wireless equipment with a WPA2-based solution, including mobile computers, scanners, access points, and POS devices. This does not include training and IT staff resources required to manage the costly upgrade of rip-and-replacing hardware to the WPA2 solution. In contrast, a retailer would pay only one-tenth of the WPA2 solution to secure the same store using Columbitech’s mobile VPN.
“The trend we’re seeing is that retailers mistakenly believe the only way to comply is to replace hardware they deem to be obsolete,” said Asa Holmstrom, president of Columbitech. “In reality, retailers can protect their hardware investments and ensure full security with our software-based mobile VPN solution. We have a proven track record of customers who invest once, never get hacked and can expand into both new wireless customer-centric applications and solutions, as well as experience new cost savings and efficient improvements with inventory, distribution and logistics.”
Replacing any wireless equipment is disruptive to one’s business and its users. Because Columbitech offers a seamless migration path, the mobile VPN is a transparent transition that users will not notice. It is secure and compliant to new standards or technologies, and enables retail management to replace equipment at their own pace rather than every time a new industry requirement, such as PCI, SOX or HIPAA, comes out.
Three of the top ten U.S. retailers currently use the Columbitech mobile VPN to secure their wireless environments. Its solution is now used in over 11,000 retail locations to secure their in-store wireless networks.
About Columbitech
Columbitech, the world’s most deployed mobile VPN provider, enables fearless enterprise mobility and unleashes the power of wireless. Its software solution offers seamless security for any mobile device and application, with support for WLAN and public networks, including 3G, 4G and WiMAX. The Columbitech solution provides transparent access to enterprise applications from any network, without requiring any changes to hardware.
With over 2 million deployed users, customers include three of the top ten U.S. retailers, several large European service providers and all military branches in the U.S. The embedded solution is OEM licensed by leading companies, including Motorola and Ericsson. The Columbitech solution holds a FIPS 140-2 certification. The company is privately held with offices in Stockholm, Sweden, and New York, USA.
Press Contacts:
Columbitech, Inc., Asa Holmstrom
Phone: 212 946 2799
asa.holmstrom@columbitech.com
Vantage Communications, Fran Bosecker
Phone: 845 536 1416
fbosecker@pr-vantage.com