Geolocation tracking capability now added into mobile computer protection and IT asset management software
Absolute Software has announced the availability of geolocation tracking for Computrace.The solution complements Absolute's IP tracking capabilities by allowing IT asset managers to track GPS-enabled laptops in the field to within 10 metres (33 feet) and view reports on their location using Google Maps technology. 'Thanks to companies like Qualcomm and their industry leading Gobi initiative, GPS tracking information is becoming more prevalent in computing devices. Adding geolocation tracking to Computrace bolsters the value we deliver to our customers in two major ways,' said John Livingston, Chairman and CEO of Absolute. 'Absolute's customers can now see where their assets are, find them more easily and assist in the earlier detection of missing computers. This capability is further enhanced by the visual nature of the reports that allow users to view computers plotted on a map. Secondly, when a computer goes missing GPS tracking information becomes a powerful forensic tool in the hands of our experienced Theft Recovery Team.'
Geolocation tracking complements Absolute's core Internet-based tracking and reporting capabilities. Using embedded GPS receivers from popular manufacturers, Computrace acquires latitude and longitude location information from remote computers for display in Absolute's Web-based IT asset management portal.
With this information, Computrace can plot the current location of all supported GPS-enabled computers in a customer's account. Alternatively, the location history of an individual asset can be viewed. Computrace's geolocation tracking is the latest addition to the product suite of mobile computer security and management tools from Absolute. Using Absolute's SaaS-delivered products, IT asset managers and compliance personnel can:. * Track and manage computers on the LAN or in the field.
* Remotely delete sensitive information for regulatory compliance.
* Easily inventory all computers regardless of their location.
* Remotely inventory software licenses.
* Detect hardware changes or prohibited software installations. In addition, Absolute's investigative team can deploy forensic tools to compromised assets to physically recover lost or stolen computers and to conduct post-theft forensic investigations into computer use.
Computrace software is embedded in the firmware of computers from the world's leading computer manufacturers right at the factory for extreme tamper-resistance.
The stealthy Computrace Agent is capable of surviving operating system re-installations, as well as hard-drive reformats, replacements and re-imaging. It can be activated by customers when they purchase a subscription with terms ranging from one to four years. When a computer is stolen, the Absolute Theft Recovery Team uses information sent via Computrace to investigate computer thefts, document evidence and work with local law enforcement to physically recover missing computers and prosecute computer thieves. To augment their investigation, the team deploys a powerful set of theft recovery tools developed by Absolute, which include capabilities such as keystroke loggers, cameras, location tracking (Wi-Fi triangulation, GPS) and remote access terminals. These tools are only employed post-theft with express customer authorisation and consent and are used exclusively by Absolute's trained professionals in order to protect privacy. Geolocation tracking is available immediately with Computrace at no additional cost to Absolute customers.
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