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GPS Baby Tracking Barriers Falling
GPS Baby Tracking Barriers Falling
GPS technology has been available for some time. The array of
satellites originally designed for government and security use
now provide consumers with a great deal of desired information.
Demand for GPS products has exploded, as drivers rely on
GPS-based systems for travel directions, and sportsmen and
adventurers use GPS technology for their safety.
Tracking the whereabouts of a baby is an intuitive use for GPS,
but until recently, there were not many products available in the
marketplace.
GPS systems were not shelved due to fears of inadequate consumer
demand. Partents are very attracted to the idea of GPS tracking
and have already started purchasing GPS baby tracking systems in
earnest. Demand for these products was correctly assumed to be
very high from the beginning. Concerns regarding potential
liability and public relations issues associated with product
failure, however, did slow the development of GPS child tracking
technologies. Recently, however, a spate of new GPS products
designed to help track children demonstrate that these worries
are disappearing.
Manufacturers have been considering GPS child tracking systems
for some time. However, there were significant liability
concerns that stood in the way of widespread release. If a
product were designed and advertised as a mechanism to provide a
greater degree of child safety, any system failure could have
disastrous consequences. It is not hard to imagine a parent
pursuing civil legal action against a manufacturer in the event a
GPS system failed to provide accurate information in the case of
a missing child, for instance. A consideration of the potential
damages in a case of this sort, and the expenses inherent in
defending against it, served as a strong disincentive for those
contemplating the sale of GPS child tracking systems.
Regardless of the outcome of any court activity, manufacturers
were also keenly aware that any product failure could represent a
serious public relations problem. Missing child cases, for
instance, are often highly publicized. Should a child who was
using malfunctioning GPS tracking technology "disappear",
providers realized they would receive a surplus of very negative
publicity, as the media would undoubtedly point out the product
failure again and again. If one considers a high-profile child
abduction case and the attendant media coverage, they can begin
to understand the possible negative ramifications to a GPS
tracking system producer.
Today, however, GPS baby tracking systems are being made available to
the public. The introduction of these child safety tools are a
direct outgrowth of product imporvement and increased reliablity.
Child tracking system providers are comfortable that their
products will function effectively and "as advertised". The high
level of reliance found in current GPS child tracking offerings
has overcome two of the formerly experienced barriers to product
introduction.
It may be too soon to aruge that child tracking via GPS is
"foolproof" or one hundred percent reliable. However, the influx
of new products clearly illustrates that producers are convinced
their products will perform correctly. Considering the potential
downside of a poor performing GPS tracking device or system,
manufacturers would not release these new products without a
solid belief in their functionality.
Yours in parenthood, Grandpa Richard.
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