The introduction of general data protection regulation (GDPR) represents a growth opportunity for the channel, as more organisations seek solutions to better manage and protect data.
With compliance a burden for many companies, most businesses are struggling to meet the strict criteria GDPR will enforce on them.
“The complexities and regulatory requirements of GDPR are such that the channel has a real opportunity to step up and assume the position of technology champion and genuine trustee of GDPR delivery for organisations looking to May 25 and beyond,” Commvault head of worldwide channels, Scott Strubel, said.
As reported by Channel Asia, new European privacy regulations went into effect on 25 May that will force companies to be more attentive to how they handle customer data.
The ramifications were visible from day one, with major U.S.-media outlets including the LA Times and Chicago Tribune were forced to shutter their websites in parts of Europe.
“While many organisations are viewing GDPR as something of a burden, it actually presents very positive opportunities for a more strategic level of discussion around data management and protection,” said Richard Wyn Griffith, solutions sales director of Softcat, a channel partner of Commvault.
Since 14 April 2016, the GDPR has undergone a two-year transition period, which became enforceable on 25 May.
“Our long and close partnership with Commvault means we can help organisations make the vital initial assessments and management of their data, which will become critical post May 25th,” Griffith added.
Commvault’s recent study of 1,200 IT executives and personnel revealed that more than 60 per cent of respondents believe they have access to less than half of their organisation’s data.
In addition, only 18 per cent of organisations had the capability to delete that data on request from all data stores, according to findings from TechValidate.
This is problematic given GDPR’s requirement for organisations operating within EU markets to have the capability to delete data on request on an immediate basis.
Furthermore, findings highlight that only eight per cent of organisations believed that they would be able to collate and export data from their organisation to a third party at the request of individuals.
“GDPR presents a great opportunity for partners to guide customers along their compliance journey and to support vital data management initiatives,” added Carla Arend, senior program director, IDC.
“The GDPR opportunity for partners ranges from helping customers to achieve compliance to identifying business opportunities based on GDPR compliance.”
