Until JAWZ launched DataGator, most existing security applications for the Palm restricted access to the device by requiring a password when the device was turned on. This front door was easily bypassed and the sensitive data on the Palm became available to the hacker or thief. In many cases an owner had to remember to turn the device off in a certain way or do something special to protect their data. These additional steps, being manual, were easily forgotten, wasted time and did not guarantee that data was protected. DataGator automates all these cumbersome processes and also ensures automatic encryption of all data.

There are three versions of the DataGator available: the Standard version, the Professional version and the Enterprise version. In the Standard version, a person’s Address Book, Date Book, To Do list, and Memo Pad, plus any passphrases and personal information they have stored within these applications are secured by 448-bit Blowfish or 168-bit triple-DES encryption technology for US $39.95. In the Professional version, data in all applications, including third party applications will be protected through secure encryption for US $49.95. Enterprise versions can be created and priced on a case-by-case basis according to a company’s IT deployment specifications.

As a security professional within the industry, Wayne Simmerson, Security Officer at ING Direct, had the opportunity to test DataGator in advance of its launch and he had this to say about it: “I have been using the JAWZ DataGator personally for awhile now on my Handspring Visor. Its seamless integration into the Palm OS was a delight. The configurable aspect incorporated so far ensures that your information is secure, yet simple enough to retrieve with only a marginal amount of waiting time. I look forward to reviewing the upcoming versions for other Personal Data Assistant and the network administration portion of this unique product.”