the Pipeline

Out of sight but not out of mind

You can run, but you can't hide. At least not if you're a laptop computer protected by HyBlue's Laptop Secure.

Laptop Secure, a managed security service, monitors and protects Microsoft Windows-based laptop PCs worldwide. The monitoring system includes two independent virus scanners, one spyware scanner, application control, intrusion detection, log-in detection and a firewall.

But wait, there's more. Laptop Secure includes an intelligent behavioral analysis engine called the Expert System. Laptop PCs on the road check in with the Expert System every 10 minutes to look for updates of virus, spyware and security signatures. If a machine fails to update its signature files or has any other issues, the system alerts a technician.

"Everyone is checking for updates, but ours is the only one smart enough to tell people when it isn't working," said Matthew Sutton, chief executive officer of HyBlue, explaining the difference between Laptop Secure and other monitoring products. HyBlue offers both active security management and computer monitoring, he said.

Technicians are alerted to security and operations problems and can fix them remotely.

Laptop Secure installs with standard best-practice security settings, but administrators can customize its lockdown levels. The most extreme setting limits the user to running only a set of preapproved applications.

Laptop Secure licenses range from about $135 per computer for one to four computers to $85 per computer for 500 or more computers.

Hit me with your best shot

This news rings out like a shot: Symbol Technologies has introduced a new pistol-grip case for its MC3000 family of rugged mobile computers.

The MC3090G mobile computer is an ergonomic, lightweight device designed for tasks such as warehouse shipping and receiving, inventory replenishment and other scan-intensive uses.

The device, which uses the Windows CE Version 5.0 operating system, withstands drops of four feet and holds up in a range of harsh temperatures. It also has an IP54-rated case to protect against water and dust.

The cost of the MC3090G ranges from $1,215 to $2,435.