.......Applications for the trusted PC platform exist, but are nuts and bolts programs rather than whiz-bang products, Wave Systems' Berger said.
"The applications that are out there today are more data-centric: 'Can I protect my data with hardware-based keys?'" he said. Wave Systems creates encryption products that use the Trusted Computing platform to protect corporate data.
Each PC maker also sells their systems with control panels for basic data security functions, including managing access and encryption.
Other encryption providers are also looking to support the technology. Entrust, which is not a member of the Trusted Computing Group, has not let Microsoft's missed deadlines affect its decision to support the technology, according to a company executive.
"There are a lot of cylinders firing on these things," said Chris Voice, chief technology officer at Entrust. "However, the engine is not going to stop because one cylinder is not fully firing."
While Microsoft didn't keep to its initial, tentative targets for its trusted PC products, the software giant should be able to hit the more relaxed deadline of the Longhorn operating system release, IDC's Kay said.
"When Longhorn comes out, it's going to be rocket fuel for the whole thing," he said. "You can do authentication now, but the thought that you can do more highfalutin things is where Microsoft comes in."
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