Intel showcased a way of identifying location based on radio and new wireless communications technologies at its developer forum in San Francisco recently.

The location research project triangulates a user's position using GSM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It offers the ability to locate staff and assets, with applications in logistics, services and security.

Yatim Chawathe, at Intel's research lab in Seattle, said: "We want widely available location technology. The biggest problem with Global Positioning System is it doesn't work indoors or in cities with tall buildings.

"More importantly, any new service must observe privacy. The user has to have control."

Bluetooth phones and GSM phones all have unique identifiers which can be used to get an accurate fix on location.

Jess Thompson-Hughes, managing director of reseller React Technologies, said: "The move in the US to the E911 [standard] is being stepped up so that mobile phone calls can be located in emergencies. There's already use of Wi-Fi tagging in logistics operations, and Tesco is starting to use it to tag trolleys.

"This is a significant opportunity."

iain_thomson@vnu.co.uk