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Studio Security Newsletter

Dan Daley, editor

Issue #12 — June, 2001

Using Technology To Protect Technology

Most people are familiar with using an engraving tool to mark equipment with the owner's name and information. But there are higher-tech things that can be done to cover your gear. Aside from entering equipment information into a spreadsheet on your computer (or at least into a word processing document), you can also burn CD-R discs with that information on it periodically. Besides being considerably less expensive than Zip cartridges, they can be used to keep your insurance carrier's files updated and have your equipment insurance modified on a semi-annual basis; these discs also can be distributed to police agencies in the event that something is stolen; and discs are very easy to store, permitting users to keep them in locations away from the premises, so that they can still be useful in the event of fire or water damage to computers. CD-RW discs, which are now hitting the mass market, are even better, allowing users to overwrite data as it gets updated.

Another high-tech approach that some are employing is periodically backing up equipment information data files to an Internet archive location. This is as easy to do as an email to yourself, though there are a growing number of companies that are specializing in creating backup archives for all types of computer users. Think of it as a virtual Zip drive. Any system that allows you to update information easily, and store it in a way that's secure, safe yet accessible by you, is a good way to go.

On another note, a recent conversation with Kathyrn Dean, marketing manager at equipment rental house Dreamhire, brought up a point that all independent freelance engineers and home studio owners should be aware of. When an individual rents a piece of gear for a project, they are also accepting liability for that equipment. Most studios' insurance will also cover rental items stolen from the studio, but that's only if the studio rented the equipment. If an individual rents something, that person is liable for replacing it in the event it's stolen. With a vintage microphone, that could run into thousands of dollars.

When an individual rents, he or she will be asked for a credit card. That imprint not only pays for the rental but also secures replacement value. Check the rental agreement and you'll see. It's good thing to be aware of, and if it makes you that much more careful about how the rented equipment is handled, all the better.

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