Cloud security startup Porticor has updated its Virtual Private Data (VPD) system to help companies encrypt data stored in the cloud and protect encryption keys. Porticor’s VPD combines encryption and its own proprietary key management service to protect enterprise data stored in public, private and hybrid clouds that run on VMWare and Amazon Web Services. [Read more on Network Computing]

Mellanox Technologies is making its software-defined networking play with the latest version of its SwitchX, positioning it as a fast and affordable alternative to offerings from Arista Networks and Cisco. [Read more at Network Computing]

Gary Hilson is a Toronto-based writer, editor and digital content strategist.

Much of the discussion about software-defined networks focuses on the network side of the story. But vendors are revealing plans that will allow applications and services to take advantage of the programmability promised by SDN. Citrix Systems has announced a forthcoming version of its NetScaler SDX application delivery controller that aims to do just that. [Full Story]