CALIFORNIA HP EMBEDS ANTITHEFT TECH IN NEW LAPTOPSTop Tech News - Tech Trends - HP Embeds Antitheft Tech in New LaptopsHP Embeds Antitheft Tech in New Laptops

By Jack M. Germain
October 5, 2005 11:00AM
When a Computrace-enabled computer is connected to the Internet, the embedded software sends a silent signal to Absolute's Monitoring Center server, which then correlates the laptop's physical location according to its Internet Protocol address.

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Some computer ideas are so good they keep reappearing. Take the case of Absolute Software's LoJack-style technology for laptops, known as Computrace.
Earlier this year, Absolute inked a deal with computer manufacturer Gateway to install a small software client that resides on the hard drive of the host computer.

Once activated, the software sends a homing signal to a monitoring center and reports the laptop's location whenever it is connected to the Internet. The idea is to be able to recover stolen laptops or, as an alternative, remotely delete any sensitive information on them.

Absolute is taking that concept to the BIOS level. The maker of computer antitheft solutions announced that its Computrace software will be embedded in the BIOS firmware of new commercial notebooks from HP, including the HP Compaq 8200, 6200, 6100 and 4200 series.

Remote Control

Unlike the earlier deal with Gateway that required customers to purchase a new computer to get the service, customers with any of the HP laptops in these series can download an updated BIOS from the HP Web site and install the Computrace product. All the new notebooks in these series will begin shipping with Computrace already installed.

When a Computrace-enabled computer is connected to the Internet, the embedded software sends a silent signal to Absolute's Monitoring Center server, which then correlates the laptop's physical location according to its Internet Protocol address.

The Monitoring Center gives I.T. managers the ability to know the physical location of all computer assets that use the Computrace technology. In addition to locating a stolen computer's physical location, the embedded Computrace programming lets I.T. managers or individual owners remotely delete their sensitive data.

Setting New Standard

"With this announcement, HP customers now have the best antitheft protection on the market as well as secure asset tracking to help address the many regulatory compliance issues facing corporate customers today," said John Livingston, chairman and CEO of Absolute Software.

While the software will come embedded on new HP notebooks, customers must purchase a subscription to Absolute's Computrace to activate the service. Once activated, Absolute will work with local law enforcement agencies to recover stolen computers. If the computer is not recovered within 60 days, the customer will be eligible for a recovery guarantee payment of up to $1,000.

"HP has a longstanding commitment to provide businesses and consumers with robust and secure solutions for their PCs," said Carol Hess-Nickels, director of commercial notebook marketing for HP. "In an era of increased mobility, the protection of computer assets and critical data is imperative."

Absolute's goal is to make the embedded theft and recovery software an industry standard. The push has has led to three agreements this year with notebook manufacturers. But a company representative said yesterday that, so far, no such agreement has been reached with Dell, one of the largest suppliers of notebook computers.