The specification, which supports servers based on a variety of processor architectures including x86, Intel Itanium, MIPS and Sparc processors, defines the architecture of a trusted server including its management, maintenance and communication between servers and clients. At the heart of the trusted server is the widely available Trusted Platform Module, a microchip that securely stores digital keys, certificates and passwords.
Trusted server applications potentially include asset management, configuration management, data migration and back-up, document management, financial transactions, management of endpoint integrity and network access control, and user and platform configuration. For example, the specification enables servers that could be verified before performing sensitive transactions or allowing access to certain data.
Today's server applications will be compatible with new trusted servers, and vendors are expected to create new applications to take advantage of trusted servers. In addition, trusted servers will be compatible with existing servers, enabling IT managers to deploy them within the existing infrastructure.
The specification supports various server form factors, including blade servers. Much of the design for trusted clients can be used in trusted servers, therefore shortening time to market. The first trusted servers incorporating TCG building blocks are anticipated to be available later this year.
The new trusted server specification complements specifications for trusted clients, of which some 15 million have been shipped from leading PC vendors. To protect networks against attacks and unauthorized access, TCG recently made available the Trusted Network Connect (TNC) architecture, which is being implemented by a number of vendors. The group also is developing specifications for trusted storage, mobile systems and peripherals.
"While trusted clients are helping enterprises keep data and systems more secure, a truly secure enterprise requires enhanced trust and security in its servers to protect their critical server-based data and transactions that are often the foundation of businesses," said Jim Ward, TCG president. "The trusted server specification gives the industry an open specification to develop systems that are less prone to attack and malicious access, further strengthening the benefits of trusted clients. In combination with the existing specifications for PCs and the Trusted Network Connect specification, the trusted server efforts represent a critical step in the TCG mission of defining a comprehensive set of open device and interface definitions for Trusted Computing."
