HSDPA added to Laptop Guardian

Alcatel Lucent has today announced a new version of its Non-stop Laptop Guardian (NLG) product, a novel device that adds wireless data access, secure connectivity and authentication, along with remote management and patch deployment to laptop computers and field workers.

The OmniAccess 3500 NLG, which previously sold in the US for use on CDMA mobile phone networks, has been redeveloped for the UK and European countries to use the more common GSM network standard, as well as 3G networks and higher-speed HSDPA data services.

The NLG remotely secures, monitors, manages and locates a mobile computer and protects its data if lost or stolen. IT administrators can wake a machine to push patches to it, significantly reducing the time it takes to bring remote users up to date with software and policy updates, while machines that are lost, stolen or otherwise compromised can be remotely shutdown and disabled to safeguard access to data.

"Laptops are by their nature difficult to manage in the field, with some companies taking up to 12 weeks to fully patch the machines of field workers," Dor Skuler, general manager for mobile security solutions at Alcatel Lucent told IT PRO at the company's annual enterprise forum in Paris.

Also, as a laptop is not tied to a traceable wireless network by default, it is harder to render it completely inaccessible in the event it is compromised.

"That is why a laptop being lost by an organisation often becomes front page news, while losing a smartphone rarely raises the same concern," he added.

The NLG runs a hardened Linux operating system and has its own processor and integrated power supply, ensuring it keeps running for up to 100 hours while a machine is powered down. Furthermore, it can execute push commands and requests to wake a machine to install updates or apply security policy changes.

It is one of several new products the company has announced at the event that have been developed by Bell Labs, the former research and development (R&D) division of Lucent and now part of the merged company.

"We believe there is no solution available today that can provide a company with wireless coverage, remote management and remote security in a single hardened device," said Skuler.

In the UK, managed service providers N3K and Magdalene have signed up to provide the product and develop solutions around it for British businesses.

"With mobility security so high on the minds of our enterprise and government customers, it makes sense for us to explore a managed security service," said Keith Lamport, director of business development for managed security services for Magdalene.

Operational costs will vary depending on what solution the NLG is bought as part of, but Skuler explained that, based on the charges used by US ISVs and mobile networks, the device will likely carry only a small overhead compared to a normal 3G data card.

"The card carries roughly a $150 (£75) premium compared to a normal data card, while service has usually carried about a $10 (£5) monthly premium over the usual cost of a unlimited data plan, making the operational cost of the NLG nominal."

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