Ericsson today announced a partnership with Intel that aims to deliver a new level of security for laptops, as well as the data stored inside. Their development will be similar to Lenovo’s Lockdown PC Now announced a few weeks ago, that can disable a stolen laptop by text message. The Intel/Ericsson version will add a GPS locator to the mix, which sends location data to a central server enabling you to retrieve your kit…but only if you’re the gutsy sort. With big mates.

The partnership will see Intel providing its Anti-Theft PC Protection Technology, which can lock the laptop by blocking the boot process. Ericsson will provide its HSPA-capable mobile broadband modules which include the GPS locator.

The two products combined will offer users a greater range of lock out options and will be programmable to respond to repeated login failures, an SMS, Geo-Fence settings (a pre-defined area, outside of which lock-out occurs) or even a timer. The laptop can be enabled again via a reactivation message.

The technology is expected to be available in the second half of 2009.

Sources:
MarketWire (Press Release) via Engadget