Encrypting columns in SAP ASE is more straightforward than using encryption in the middle tier, or in the client application. Use SQL statements to create encryption keys and to specify columns for encryption; existing applications continue to run without change.
When you insert or update data in an encrypted column, SAP ASE transparently encrypts the data immediately before writing the row. When you select from an encrypted column, SAP ASE decrypts the data after reading it from the row. Integer and floating point data are encrypted in the following form for all platforms:
Most significant bit format for integer data
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) floating point standard with MSB format for floating point data