Using online surveillance to keep tabs on your family and property is nothing new, but new technology is making it easier to keep an eye on the on-goings at home.

"ToddlerEye" is a new Internet home surveillance service launched by the M1’s Wireless Intellect Labs (WIL), in conjunction with Cherie Hearts Group International Ptd Ltd and D Link International Pte Ltd. The service allows parents to look in on their children, elderly parents and even pets via the Internet with the click of a mouse.

Available for use with existing webcams and a wireless broadband account, setting up the service involves downloading free Windows webcam security software and signing up for a user account at www.homecamera.com.

Parents will find that the service is a full-featured Internet home surveillance service that does not require technical know-how for setting up the cameras and the system, and is suited to the average Internet user who is unfamiliar with terms such as DDNS or NAT.

The service even allows a user to send images or video to their WAP-enabled mobile phones, PDAs or email accounts, doing away with the need to sign up for a wireless-broadband account.

Cherie Hearts will be the first childcare centre in Singapore to utilise "ToddlerEye". Dr Sam Yap, Group Executive Chairman, said: “The new “ToddlerEye” service fits perfectly with our continuous efforts to help parents bond with their children.”

The childcare centre plans to invite all its parents to register for the free service. Over 70 webcams will be installed at all 26 branches by year-end.