Security | News

Absolute Software Adds iOS Theft Management Service

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/13/13

A security technology company has implemented a new theft management service that may interest schools running iPad programs. Absolute Software has introduced Computrace Mobile Theft Management, a program that registers devices and handles their discovery and return. It can also initiate paperwork in the event that police must become involved.

The Computrace service has existed for many years and the company claims that it has assisted in 28,000 "successful recoveries." What's new with this announcement is the focus specifically on iOS devices.

The Computrace service has two components: loss prevention and theft recovery. The first provides resources to help organizations register devices, generate identity tags, put on "awareness" campaigns, and perform device discovery and return. The second is instigated when a theft is reported. The Absolute "investigation and recovery team" initiates response, begins an investigation to gather information and evidence for the police, and prepares "court-ready" investigative reports. The company offers a service guarantee in the event that its team doesn't recover a stolen iPad.

One school that has expressed interest in the new program is Portland Public Schools, where Roosevelt High School introduced a 1-to-1 iPad program in the 2012-2013 school year. The district already required the purchase of Computrace for laptops purchased for use by staff and faculty. Said Jedediah Gilchrist, district senior manager for infrastructure and operations. "Absolute Software was the only company we found able to offer the kind of comprehensive plan to respond to theft (in the event it should occur) that would give staff, administrators and parents the peace of mind they need in order to let this program flourish."