Welcome to day one of RSA. All this week Tech Herald will be on the floor and in the meeting rooms covering all the trends and breaking news that we can fit into a single day.
RSA is one of the largest security gatherings in the US for IT. (IMG: J.Anderson)
As the day goes on, this post will be updated with news, conversations, photos and more.
2:25PM PST
After two very different and unique interviews, day one is almost coming to a close. There are a few product announcements to cover and two more interviews before attending the opening day orientation and networking meetings.
I had a meeting this afternoon with Mike Kilroy and SCIPP International founder Winn Schwartau. Winn is a name some of you might know rather well, as he is often one of the people lurking in the NOC at Def Con. As expected, he and I talked about hacking, security in Enterprise, DefCon, FUD, and many other topics I can't mention here.
Winn has an approach to his training that is unique, and after he explained it I see why. Also he gave me a book that you simply have to see the picture before you believe it. (More on this in a future update)
I also met with Steve Duncan of Entrust. His company is doing some major things in the encryption field, too much to cover in an update. Once I sort the audio recordings of both interviews I will issue a full report.
There are more people arriving now. I would say maybe a thousand or more people, but the halls are not wall to wall packed. (Most of the people I have talked to say the crowds appear Tuesday and get bigger later in the week. Nicole Messier was kind enough to let me know that the expected count this year is 17,000 attendees.)
Expect more pictures and information before the day ends.
10:30AM PST
After walking and talking to some of those in attendance, there is a huge interest in encryption based security, and information protection. Those who are not interested in those areas are interested in securing networks or information starting with developing stronger security policy and including all of the basic human elements.
There is a rapid build up in the expo area. I’m told the final build will be complete before 6PM tonight, and by tomorrow morning the expo hall will be open for business.
Some interesting facts, according to some of the staff for RSA itself, close to ten thousand people are expected to attend over the week. To handle the steady stream of people flooding in, the registration area is massive. Rows of laptops are ready for the task of setting people who pre-registered up with passes. Then there is the “goodie line” where you get a backpack and other materials.
10:20AM PST
Some images of the outer expo area.
8:30AM PST Just got into the media center, CNet is here and the breakfast is quite good for conference food. Today is the slow day for RSA. Most of the companies are just arriving and the expo floor is being setup. There are some training classes being held by SANS, which were quite full when I looked in on them.
I have a meeting with Winn Schwartau who is the founder of SCIPP International.
If you are thinking that a conversation in social engineering (my favorite subject) is in order, you are correct.
Mark PiersonApr 7th, 2008 - 21:10:32
I love this approach to covering a trade show.
I will not be able to attend this year, but I enjoy the images and the play by play.
I appreciate what you're doing with this... Good luch at the show!
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