Alcatel-Lucent has announced the global availability of a high-speed packet access (HSPA) version of its OmniAccess 3500 Nonstop Laptop Guardian, designed to protect and recover stolen laptops and data. Previously available on CDMA-based 3G networks, the enhancement is said to expand the product's reach to next-generation, high-speed 3G GSM/HSPA networks, providing a critical solution to mitigate the threat of compromising confidential data through the loss or theft of employee laptops.
Invented by Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs, the always on laptop security and management system for the mobile workforce leverages 3G (CDMA/W-CDMA/GSM) networks, allowing enterprises to overcome the "mobile blind spot." The mobile blind spot is defined as a condition where enterprises have no visibility or control over the location, use or configuration of employee laptops, increasing the risk of government fines, company reputation and hampering day-to-day operations of organizations. With this technology, enterprises have 24/7 access to employee laptops – enabling them to automatically enforce policies for compliance and deliver software patches and upgrades to their increasingly mobile workforce even if the laptop is turned off.
In a recent study(1) of 255 executive level IT, security and compliance decision makers in the U.S. and Germany, 45 percent of respondents admit they have to deal with mobile blind spots. Additionally, 76 percent of respondents believe it is necessary to protect a lost or stolen laptop with more than encryption alone – such as having the ability to locate the device using GPS and remotely revoking access to data. Of particular note, 50 percent of companies state they would switch their wireless service to a provider with a security solution that protects lost or stolen laptops used remotely, provides auto virtual private network capabilities and allows IT to manage laptops even when they're turned off.
"The security of data on company and government laptops is a genuine concern for executives and agency leaders around the globe. The recent study shows nearly three out of four IT security managers have had to help their company deal with the consequences of a lost or stolen company laptop," explained Tom Burns, head of Alcatel-Lucent enterprise activities. "The Alcatel-Lucent Nonstop Laptop Guardian is an important part of our overall security portfolio – providing companies and government agencies with the means to protect valuable information and personal data beyond the walls of their enterprise while at the same time enabling more flexibility and efficiency for those who need real time, anywhere access to that data."
SingTel of Singapore, Magyar Telekom of Hungary, and broadband carrier IIJ of Japan have announced they plan to offer the OA3500 NLG as a value-added service over their high-speed HSPA mobile data communications network. Currently Sprint offers the CDMA version of the solution to its North American customers.
In addition, the Municipality of Budapest will begin trials of the product through KFKI/Magyar Telekom. The local government agency plans to use the security and management solution to secure citizen information stored on agency employees' laptops.
"Security is a key concern for CIOs. To enable our customers to be more productive on the move and yet enjoy peace of mind, SingTel, in collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent, is pleased to launch this innovative wireless security solution to meet enterprises' needs. This service will empower executives to be truly mobile without compromising sensitive company information," said Bill Chang, Executive Vice President of Business for SingTel.