This is an impressive next step:

AT&T plans to introduce a nationwide program today that gives owners of small- and medium-size businesses some of the same tools big security companies offer for monitoring employees, customers and operations from remote locations.

Under AT&T’s Remote Monitor program, a business owner could install adjustable cameras, door sensors and other gadgets at up to five different company locations across the country.

Using a Java-enabled mobile device or a personal computer connected to the Internet, the owner would be able to view any of the images in real time, control room lighting and track equipment temperatures remotely. All the images are recorded on digital video, which can be viewed for up to 30 days.

This feature was the most impressive:

Aside from helping to verify insurance claims, the system can detect break-ins, alert an owner if a boiler breaks down and monitor employees who “are just sitting around on the clock not doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Mr. Roby said. In one instance, he said, a worker seen operating a meat slicer without wearing protective gloves was reprimanded.

I can just see it now, daily “Lazy Employee Summary Report: Found 3 employees with operational efficiency below 60%”

While I can see how this could be used for security, I think its use in business against employees throws us back to the age of Henry Ford “optimizing” his workforce.. I sure wouldn’t work for a place that had this in place any more than letting people stand over my shoulder and watch me work.

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