Absolute Software Expands Data Protection Capabilities With New Absolute Secure Drive Features

Absolute Secure Drive 7.8 integrates with BitLocker to provide encryption management to non-OPAL devices and removable media

VANCOUVER, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Absolute® Software Corporation (TSX: ABT), the leading provider of firmware-embedded, persistent endpoint security and management solutions, announced today the release of Absolute Secure Drive 7.8. With this release, data protection capabilities expand beyond self-encrypting drives (SEDs) to non-OPAL drives and external plug-in devices.

Absolute Secure Drive 7.8 provides organizations with the ability to manage BitLocker enabled built-in drives and removable media within the Absolute Secure Drive console. This means administrators can manage a variety of encryption methods through a single console, keeping data secure regardless of how it is stored.

"Few organizations today can standardize on a single encryption methodology because the hardware and technology are constantly evolving," states John Livingston, Chairman and CEO at Absolute Software. "Many of our customers must support mixed deployments that include traditional encryption solutions as well as devices with self-encrypting drives. Now they can remotely manage their mixed encryption environment with Absolute Secure Drive 7.8."

According to research conducted by the Coughlin Associates, by 2014 nearly 100% of solid state drives will have SED capabilities and by 2017 all hard disk drives will be SED capable.¹ These statistics speak to the future when SEDs will be the de facto standard for encryption.  The current reality is one of transition where organizations must manage a mixed deployment.

Absolute Secure Drive 7.8 also allows IT administrators to control access to devices such as DVD/CD-ROMs, removable media, Bluetooth, Serial, Modems, 1394 and PCMCIA devices.

Availability
Absolute Secure Drive 7.8 is available today. For more information visit:
http://www.absolute.com/products/endpoint-security/absolute-secure-drive

About Absolute Software

Absolute Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the world leader in firmware-embedded endpoint security and management for computers and ultra-portable devices. The Company, a leader in device security and management tracking for more than 18 years, has over commercial 30,000 customers worldwide. Positioned as a Visionary vendor in Gartner, Inc.'s Magic Quadrant for Client Management Tools, Absolute's solutions - Computrace, Absolute Manage, Absolute Secure Drive, and Computrace LoJack for Laptops - provide organizations with actionable intelligence to prove compliance, securely manage BYOD, and deliver comprehensive visibility and control over all of their devices and data. The Company's Computrace persistence technology is embedded in the firmware of computers, netbooks, and tablets by global leaders, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Motion, Panasonic, Samsung, and Toshiba, and the Company has reselling partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Apple. For more information about Absolute Software, visit www.absolute.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the expected performance, functionality and availability of our services and products, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and general market conditions. In light of the many risks and uncertainties you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

©2012 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Computrace and Absolute are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. LoJack is a registered trademark of LoJack Corporation, used under license by Absolute Software Corporation. LoJack Corporation is not responsible for any content herein. U.S. patents No. 5,715,174, No. 5,764,892, No. 5,802,280, No. 5,896,497, No. 6,087,937, No. 6,244,758, No. 6,269,392, No. 6,300,863, No. 6,507,914, No. 7,818,557, No. 7,818,803, No. 7,945,709 and No. 8,062,380. Canadian patents No. 2,211,735, No. 2,284,806, and No. 2,205,370. U.K. patents No. EP0793823, No. GB2298302, and No. GB2338101. German patent No. 69512534. Australian patent No. 699045. Japanese patent No. JP4067035. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

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¹ Coughlin Associates Study: Self-Encrypting Drive Market and Technology Report, August 2011

SOURCE: Absolute Software Corporation

Public Relations:
Chris Michaels, HORN Group
[email protected] or 415.905.4030/805.390.0819

Marina Guy, Absolute Software
[email protected] or 604.628.5121 ext 107

Investor Relations:
Kristen Dickson, MSc, or Dave Mason, CFA
TMX Equicom
[email protected] or [email protected]
416.815.0700