Storage security specialist Decru today (6 June) announced a series of new partnerships and products to make it easier for firms to manage multiple data encryption keys and encrypt sensitive documents.

The Decru Lifetime Key Management (LKM) 3.0 Appliance will be available from the autumn. It will incorporate Decru's LKM software suite in an appliance boasting improved integration with third-party encryption products.

Decru said the enhanced integration would make it easier for firms to manage heterogeneous third-party software and hardware encryption devices throughout their entire lifecycle, including key generation, replication, archiving, recovery, sharing, and deletion.

To support the new appliance Decru has launched a new OpenKey partner programme designed to support the development of standards for the management of multiple encryption keys. Programme members, who already include security and storage software vendor Symantec and data storage specialist Quantum, will receive standards-based APIs, developer kits, reference implementations, and technical support to help them develop interoperable encryption and key management systems.

John Oltsik of analyst firm Enterprise Strategy Group said in a statement that the new appliance and commitment to open APIs would make it easier for large firms to handle the growing number of encryption keys embedded in new storage products.

"By providing a broad line of storage security appliances, and opening up its key management platform to third parties, Decru is providing a centralised key management solution and addressing an impending pain point for enterprises," he added.

Separately. Decru, which is a subsidiary of storage giant Network Appliance, announced a system developed with content management specialist FileNet to enhance security for sensitive and regulated data.

The companies said the combination of FileNet's P8 platform with Decru's DataFort storage security appliances would enable firms to encrypt different types of content in accordance with security or compliance policies.