RSA Security says it plans to support the Microsoft Office Solution Accelerator for Sarbanes-Oxley to help streamline and simplify certain aspects of the process by which publicly traded companies can achieve compliance with federal financial reporting regulations. Microsoft earlier today announced the general availability of the accelerator, which is designed to help companies document and review their internal financial controls and meet compliance requirements outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. RSA ClearTrust web access management software is one of the first offerings that will deliver key security and auditing capabilities on top of the accelerator.
Sarbanes-Oxley promotes greater corporate responsibility through certification of internal controls, authorisation of transactions and protection of assets against unauthorised use and proper recording of transactions. Publicly traded companies face significant challenges and resource investments when it comes to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Companies affected by the Act are held to a new level of accountability, and executives must demonstrate financial transparency and good corporate governance to investors.
The Microsoft Office Solution Accelerator for Sarbanes-Oxley is designed to help publicly traded companies more easily manage their internal financial controls and meet some of the compliance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Using the accelerator, partners can readily build custom solutions for individuals, divisions or entire corporations to access and manage needed information to comply with the Act.
RSA ClearTrust software is used by organisations globally as a primary component of their identity management systems. It is intended to allow organisations to provide secure access to web applications within intranets, extranets, portals and exchange infrastructures – with transparent, single sign-on access for a positive user experience. RSA ClearTrust software addresses many of the needs customers face when working towards compliance, while offering strong integration with Microsoft platforms. This includes planned support for Microsoft SharePoint(tm) Portal Server and current support for Microsoft Windows Server(tm) 2003 operating system, Internet Information Services 6.0 and Active Directory directory service; advanced single sign-on capability to Microsoft applications and integration with Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003.
“RSA Security continues to be a strong ally in helping Microsoft deliver valuable business solutions to customers,” said Peter Rinearson, corporate vice president of the Information Worker New Markets division at Microsoft Corp. “RSA ClearTrust software has demonstrated tight integration with our broad set of business solutions and we are pleased that RSA Security is joining Microsoft in the cause to help global companies meet Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.”
The Office Solution Accelerator for Sarbanes-Oxley extends the value of existing software investments by building on the Microsoft Office System products that many companies have already deployed. Optimised around the most common control methodologies, the accelerator is designed to be easy to deploy, flexible and extensible – helping companies of all sizes meet longer-term compliance objectives as well as near-term Sarbanes-Oxley needs.
“RSA Security and Microsoft continue to demonstrate how they are committed to helping customers use technology as a business enabler, whether customers are trying to extend secure access to information to partners, customers and employees, or working diligently to meet the growing number of federal regulations,” said John Worrall, vice president of worldwide marketing at RSA Security. “With RSA ClearTrust software, enterprises receive the full benefits of identity and access management, which includes facilitating communication and business with customers, strengthening partner relationships, bolstering employee productivity, reducing administrative burdens and lowering costs.”
RSA Security and Microsoft have collaborated on security projects since 1996 when Microsoft licensed RSA BSAFE technology to build strong encryption into its products. Most recently, RSA Security announced the RSA SecurID* for Microsoft Windows Solution to deliver secure, simplified login for enterprise Windows users. The companies have also worked together on many other development, marketing and sales initiatives. This latest move is a natural progression in the strategic relationship that extends across product lines. RSA Security shares many of its RSA ClearTrust software customers with Microsoft, including Ceridian, Credit Union Central of Ontario, Experian, Raymond James Financial and Siebel Systems.