Skyhook Wireless, the de facto Wi-Fi positioning pioneer, has joined up with Los Angeles, California-based Awareness Technologies to release Laptop Cop. A Windows laptop security software system, Laptop Cop operates in stealth mode rendering it undetectable to potential laptop thieves. In case of theft, it then enables the owner to remotely remove or retrieve files, monitor and even control what the thief is doing with the laptop internally, and with the inclusion of Skyhook’s Wireless Positioning System (WPS) enables the real-time geographical position of the device to be located.
If you recall, Skyhook’s WPS can find a mobile device’s location by comparing its wireless usage with a comprehensive Wi-Fi access point database. It’s highly accurate especially in urban areas where GPS positioning sometimes fails. The company also offers a hybrid positioning system (XPS) that adds GPS and cell tower triangulation to the mix.
While other companies such as Mexens Technology offer similar products–and Nokia now apparently–Skyhook dominates the industry. The company powers location-based iPhone applications, has recently partnered with semiconductor kingpin Qualcomm to WPS-enable the latter’s gpsOne chipset, and is the provider of positioning for Mozilla’s Geode Firefox browser plug-in.
Awareness Technologies has been around since 2002 and offers a variety of software security products. Laptop Cop can be purchased from the company’s website or from Dell online. You’ll pay a license fee of $50 for a single download plus an 18% support fee. The pricing structure decreases the single unit cost if you purchase in bulk.
Mac laptop owners can find similar functionality from MacTrak, also enhanced with Skyhook’s WPS.
