Encryption and File Transport Options

Once you have your SAS data ready for transport, you need to determine a means to deliver it. There are many ways to send data, but you should strive for process simplicity and data security. To keep your data secure and to comply with 21 CFR-Part 11, you need to encrypt your data files for transport. The best encryption you can use is key exchange high-bit encryption software such as PGP, which creates essentially unbreakable files when used properly. Once your data files are encrypted, you can either send them on physical media such as CD-ROM or send them electronically with secure transmission software such as Secure File Transport Protocol (SFTP). If you need to send data to someone once, a CD-ROM is simple enough to produce. However, if you need to send the data repeatedly, then you should use a more automated electronic method of data exchange. Shell scripts and batch files can be written to automate the electronic data transfer process. 

Changes in the Business Environment 290 Changes in Technology 290 Changes in Regulations 291 Changes in Standards 291 

This chapter briefly discusses the future of SAS programming and the SAS programmer in the world of clinical trials. The impact of the business environment, regulatory issues, technological changes, and standards organizations on the future of SAS programming in clinical trials is addressed. 

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