Computrace now in the Secure Flash area of the PC?

this is very new. Previously, computrace could be removed by a simple low level format. But it does not seem like the current case anymore.

************

http://www.absolute.com/PDF/Phoenix%20Release%20Feb%2016.pdf

Phoenix And Absolute Software Combine to Make PCs

Secure From the Start With Built-in Asset Recovery and Tracking
Locked-Down Theft Protection Gives PC Notebook Users the Ability to Track Lost or Stolen PCs Even If the Hard Drive Is Reformatted
MILPITAS, Calif., February 16, 2005 -- Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PTEC) and Absolute® Software Corporation (TSX-VEN: ABT) today announced an innovative solution that will help deter theft and loss of remote, mobile and desktop computers. The Phoenix TrustedCore® Core System Software product line is enabling firmware-level support for Absolute’s Computrace® Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking solutions.

This combination of Phoenix’s and Absolute’s technology means that PCs are protected and Secure from the Start. In the event a computer is stolen, Absolute offers a recovery guarantee of up to $1,000*, can remotely delete sensitive data, and can aid organizations with regulatory compliance.

Phoenix Core System Software provides a trusted platform that is security-enabled before the PC operating system has the opportunity to boot -- from the moment the device is turned on. Because the Computrace software is enabled in the Secure Flash area of the PC, it is extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to remove or alter it. Because the Computrace capability is “locked-down” within the PC, the location of Computrace-protected computers can be tracked even if the hard drive is reformatted or if the operating system is replaced.

“Consumers are looking for devices that have built-in security that they don’t have to think about. They want their devices protected, safe for their use, and useless to anyone trying to steal it. Computrace makes the lost or stolen computer worthless to thieves, who can be traced without their knowledge,” said John Livingston, CEO and chairman of Absolute. “Our partnership with Phoenix provides customers with a secure device and a trusted computing environment. Our OEMs and system builders can easily and economically provide a security platform and applications that enables their customers to have a higher level of protection for their PCs or notebooks.”
“Built-in security and device theft protection are becoming critical issues for our PC OEMs. Having this security at the core of the system provides significantly better protection than placing it on the hard drive, where it potentially can be compromised,” said Michael D. Goldgof, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Corporate Marketing and Product Divisions for Phoenix Technologies. “As a part of our ongoing relationship with Absolute, we are delivering on our promise to customers to bring together the Phoenix TrustedCore Core Systems Software with the Absolute Computrace security platform, delivering an innovative, ‘Secure from the Start’ PC with built-in, locked-down theft deterrence.”
In order to activate the Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking service, customers will need to purchase a subscription to Absolute’s Computrace from Absolute or their PC provider.