NetTrace to monitor and track Accenture`s PCs

NetTrace (Pty) Ltd, exclusive distributor of Computrace, has been contracted by Accenture to monitor and track its PCs. Computrace, patented and developed by listed Canadian company, Absolute Software Corporation, is an award-winning PC tracking, monitoring and theft recovery solution.

Computrace will be deployed countrywide on all of Accenture`s notebooks. "SA continues to have a high crime and theft rate," says Christie Olivier, IT Director (Africa) at Accenture. "In order to protect both our assets and the knowledge capital stored on these computers, we felt it necessary to take any possible measure to reduce the risk of theft."

Although Accenture already uses a number of security measures - including physically securing machines to desks with security cables - many notebooks were still being stolen from employee motor vehicles and residences. Olivier maintains that notebook theft was costing the company in the region of R500 000 a year, excluding the possible loss of information.

"Computrace was selected to fill the gap we still had in our security risk model where PCs were stolen from other locations," Olivier says. "Most of Accenture`s personnel work outside the office and this increases the risk of theft. The product completes this risk management process by being able to trace PCs once stolen."

Olivier says Computrace was chosen for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. "The solution provides a security solution and an effective way to track and manage our computer assets, which are predominantly used in remote locations. It also allows us to take on a more proactive role in monitoring the status of equipment out in the field."

Computrace uses a stealthy and tamper-resistant Tracking Agent to monitor and trace PCs once reported lost or stolen. When located, NetTrace`s Theft Recovery arm continues with both criminal and civil procedures to effect recovery of the missing PCs.

Enhancing the Computrace functionality is PC Asset Tracking, which lets the Tracking Agent auto-discover additional data points from the PC and provides authorised users with simple, Web-based asset reporting tools. Since Computrace is not network specific, data capture is entirely automated, providing customers with the ability to manage their PC assets based on information that is relevant, current and trusted.

With PC Asset Tracking, Computrace becomes a perfect tool to prevent computer loss and plan for the roll-out of operating systems and software applications.

Based on local successes, NetTrace plans to deploy the product throughout Africa and other regions around the world.