Roundup: Data security law, Crossbeam Systems, Westcon Group, HP

Panama's government has given the go-ahead to a new personal data law, the government said in a statement. The legislation stipulates the conservation, protection and availability of data belonging to telecommunications service users. The law, which was introduced by deputy security minister Alejandro Garúz, also takes aim at organized crime. *** US network security firm Crossbeam Systems has named Efrain Mata as regional sales manager for Northern Latin America, the company said in a statement. Mata previously worked in companies such as Norwegian video conferencing company Tandberg and French network infrastructure provider Alcatel Lucent (NYSE: ALU). In related news, Crossbeam signed up BlackBull Network, Contacta and CLM as channel partners in Brazil. *** US telecoms distributor Westcon Group has opened a new office aimed at strengthening its Latin American operations, the company said in a statement. The facility is located in Fort Lauderdale and will serve as the headquarters for the company's Central and South American operations. The company also has direct presence in Brazil and Mexico. *** HP (NYSE: HPQ) has inked a partnership with Mexican academic institution Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP), HP said in a release. According to the terms of the agreement, UDLAP students will partake in HP's local product development.