I realize there's a big difference between spyware on a rented computer vs Apple's MobileMe, but it does seem like there's an intersection between theft prevent

I realize there's a big difference between spyware on a rented computer vs Apple's MobileMe, but it does seem like there's an intersection between theft prevention location software and this case. What are the differences between a company renting Apple devices and using MobileMe for theft preventing / tracking vs this company using custom software?