Securing Your Business With Computer Asset Tracking Software

Because computer assets are indeed valuable, they require a system of inventory, accounting and tracking. Computer asset tracking software - as an example of fixed asset tracking software - is programming that does just this. Consider the following information.

The statistics are staggering:

* Stolen laptops cost businesses more than do computer virus problems. (National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, 2004 )

* The theft of laptop computers has been ascribed to 59% of computer-related attacks in the for-profit, as well as the not-for-profit entities, including educational institutions in 2003. (Baseline, 2004 )

* 97% of computers stolen aren't recovered despite the latest in asset inventory software tracking. (FBI)

* 30% of equipment theft in large businesses is committed by employees. (DTI Information Security Breaches Survey 2006, May 1st, 2007)

* Nearly 40% of businesses spend less than 1% of their total IT budgets on data security and protection. (DTI Information Security Breaches Survey 2006, May 1st, 2007)

* In the year 2004, more than 600,000 laptop thefts occurred, resulting in an estimated $720 million in hardware losses and $5.4 billion in theft of proprietary information. ( Safeware Insurance, 2004)

* Between 2005 and 2006, 81% of companies reported theft of laptops containing sensitive information. (Ponemon Institute, 2006)

Computer assets are some of the most valuable, critical and expensive assets of a company or organization. For obvious reasons, computers are an integral part of everyday business operations, no matter what the business size. Accounting, inventory, databases a myriad of uses, computers are extremely important to business. But, what happens if you lose them?

When computers are lost or stolen, the initial loss is that of a piece of equipment and the cost of replacement. But, losing a computer through theft or other means costs a great deal more. The software programs stored on a computer cost money for purchasing and license uses. If you've ever purchased software programs, you understand that they don't come cheap. But another, even more expensive and problematic loss, is that of sensitive information which may be stored on a computer.

Computer asset tracking software allows company owners and managers to track and manage computer assets including software and hardware, establish and manage software licenses compliance, and detect the use of unauthorized software and programming. Computer asset tracking software also allows for keeping up-to-date with warranties and any required maintenance schedules.

Keeping track of equipment and software within an organization, detecting unauthorized program and software use, ensuring license compliance and monitoring or preventing use outside of organizational policies is important to the prevention of security breaches and theft. Computer asset tracking software provides an exceptional tool in this regard.