Windows Server 2008 R2 Data Classification Toolkit RTM Available

Microsoft has released to manufacturing a new solution accelerator designed to help companies deal with data compliance across their servers.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Data Classification Toolkit RTM can be downloaded free of charge from the software giant, and comes to streamline tasks such as the identification and classification of content across an organization’s file servers running the latest release of Windows Server.

Boosting data protection, the Data Classification Toolkit for Windows Server 2008 R2 was released to early adopters for testing in Beta in May 2011, but the Redmond company has since wrapped up the tool.

“The out-of-the-box classification and rule examples help organizations build and deploy their policies to protect critical information in a cost-effective manner. This release includes sample classification rules for PCI DSS and NIST 800-53,” the company notes.

Customers interested in cost savings around data compliance as well as tuning down complexity of the process can leverage the Windows Server 2008 R2 Data Classification Toolkit RTM.

The tool’s page on the Microsoft Download Center offers guidance not just the solution accelerator, and the software giant has also set up a TechNet nook focused exclusively on the tool.

Microsoft stresses that companies should not rely on the Data Classification Toolkit for Windows Server 2008 R2 when it comes down to their data compliance requirements.

“Use of the Microsoft Data Classification Toolkit for Windows Server 2008 R2 does not constitute advice from an auditor, accountant, attorney or other compliance professional, and does not guarantee fulfillment of your organization’s legal or compliance obligations. Conformance with these obligations requires input and interpretation by your organization’s compliance professionals,” the company said.

While the tool is set up to simplify data compliance, customers will need to also do some of the heavy lifting, especially planning around three areas according to Microsoft: “Identification of applicable IT GRC authority documents; definition of appropriate classification policies and implementation and evidence of appropriate controls.”

Windows Server 2008 R2 Data Classification Toolkit RTM is available for download here.