TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Environmental Technologies, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EMTI) is pleased to announce that it has selected the manufacturer for the outsourcing of Computer Guard, a device that it expects to introduce to the North American market this spring. The manufacturer was selected on the basis of proven ability to deliver a quality product to Environmental Technologies at the most economical price possible, and to achieve production and commence shipments at the earliest possible time. The Company expects to execute a formal agreement and place its initial order with the manufacturer within the next few weeks.
Computer Guard -- directly addresses what has emerged in recent years as an international epidemic - THEFT OF LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND THE COUNTLESS BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF VALUABLE AND CRITICAL DATA THEY CONTAIN. Consisting of an on-board electronic device, a remote key (a synched RF transmitter), and software that provides both back-up access and initiating protocols, Computer Guard will automatically shut down the host unit, freezing the hard drive(s) and locking out entry to anyone but the authorized user. Essentially, the Computer Guard System protects the user's information by rendering the computer useless whenever the authorized user is away from the machine. Importantly, the Company's Computer Guard System will retail for approximately $50.00, an extremely attractive price when compared to most laptop security devices in the marketplace, and one which Environmental Technologies believes will facilitate rapid market penetration, and capture of a significant share of the dynamic laptop security market in the foreseeable future.
Laptop Computer Theft -- results in two distinct types of loss: the cost of the actual hardware, usually $2000 - $3000 per unit (the FBI estimates that 97% of stolen computer equipment is never recovered) and; the much higher cost of the lost data contained on the laptop's hard drive. Value of hard-drive data can be seen in terms of the enormous costs of replacing/restoring such data or, even more critical, in terms of what that corporate or government data can cost the company or government if it falls into the wrong hands. In August, 2002, a Justice Department inspector general reported that 400 laptop computers were stolen, lost or gone missing from five US agencies, including the FBI (the main victim) and the INS. Some of the missing data was reported to be "sensitive in nature" and that its loss could "result in danger to the public or could compromise national security or law enforcement activities". It is generally recognized that business-critical, proprietary confidential corporate data lost to potential competitors through laptop theft could amount to tens of $billions in costs.
Environmental Technologies' products currently being developed for specific market applications include short and long-range detection devices that can be hidden in clothing, or on valuables, and that will emit signals to loved ones or owners of articles. The technology provides a capability that is ideal for families living in fear of their children being kidnapped, or of having elderly family members, suffering from dementia or any other form of memory loss, wander off aimlessly without their loved one's knowledge. Alarmingly, kidnapping in North America has risen to an all-time high of over 800 persons per day! "Find-A-Shipment", enabling real-time shipment tracking is another promising application under development, and the introduction of a device that will be embedded in credit cards, passports, etc, to thwart theft and quickly located lost cards is expected to follow.
The statements made in this press release, which are not historical facts, contains forward-looking statements concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial conditions and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in the release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward- looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward- looking statement.