Big brother is watching you

Citation

(2002), "Big brother is watching you", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 11 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2002.07311bab.001

Big brother is watching you

Big brother is watching you

As the threat of terrorist attacks remains high on the global agenda, UK-based company Pole Star has developed an innovative new "big brother" security system specifically designed to provide essential monitoring of company assets across the world.

Although technologically advanced, PurpleFinder GUARD needs no special hardware or software to function effectively, just a standard office computer with access to the Internet and a simple transceiver unit on each asset being monitored. According to Pole Star's chief executive officer (CEO), Darrel Sheinman:

After recent tragedies such as the attack on the World Trade Center, it is essential that international commerce continues to function. But even as companies acknowledge an increased responsibility for the safety of their employees, they also cannot afford to spend an infinite amount of money on security measures. PurpleFinder is designed to be not only effective, but also cost-effective.

Sheinman's view is endorsed by specialist international business risk consultancy, Control Risk's Group's 10th annual Risk Map 2002, released last month, which advises that international business must hold firm, mitigate any risks and continue with "business as usual". PurpleFinder GUARD uses global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite- or land-based communications services to deliver two-way, real-time data on any asset, from a truck travelling across the Sahara desert to a tanker carrying nuclear warheads. The system not only sends regular reports back, but also can deliver vital information to the carrier.

"We developed the system to protect employees who are working in politically sensitive areas of the world", said Sheinman, a London entrepreneur of the year finalist. "The small transceiver is mounted on the building or vehicle, often overlooked by hijackers or uninvited visitors, who can smash every piece of communications equipment they find".

Normally powered by the vehicle or vessel it is tracking, in the event of an illegal attack, the PurpleFinder GUARD equipment can report every ten minutes for up to ten days using its integral battery, giving every possible advantage to emergency services attempting rescue.

"Pole Star is the first company of its kind to offer a truly global Internet-based service to locate, communicate with and monitor mobile and fixed assets", said Sheinman. "Although the technology behind PurpleFinder GUARD is advanced, it can be used as a simple but effective solution."

Pole Star can also link PurpleFinder GUARD into a company's intranet system, allowing the delivery of critical information from the asset being tracked directly to a company's nerve centre, enabling an increased level of resource planning and management.

"In a world of increased risk, it is important to those working far from the safety of their HO to know that Big Brother is indeed watching and monitoring their progress", said Sheinman. "No company can afford the consequences of losing precious personnel or cargo, either in financial or in humanitarian terms. How do you react to an emergency, if you don't even know you are having one? All of us have to face up to our corporate responsibilities", he added. "Pole Star's PurpleFinder GUARD is an essential tool in the risk mitigation process".

For further information please contact: Pole Star Space Applications Limited, 2nd Floor, Astley House, 33 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3QJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7313 7400; Fax: +44 (0) 20 7313 7401; E-mail: polestar@purplefinder.com; Web site: www.purplefinder.com