Tuesday November 16, 11:06 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Identix Teams With SCM to Introduce Unique Mobile Computing Device, BioTouch, to Enable Authentication Security in Any Portable PC
Fingerprint Security Provides Unprecedented Theft and Fraud Protection for Mobile Computing Devices
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1999-- Identix Incorporated (AMEX:IDX - news), a worldwide leader in providing biometric security and identification solutions, and SCM Microsystems (Nasdaq:SCMM - news; Neuer Markt:SMY), a leader in enabling simple and secure access to digital information, announced today that they have implemented Identix's newly introduced DFR 300(tm) optical fingerprint reader, developed by Motorola and Identix, into a PC Card fingerprint reader for enhanced portable PC security.
BioTouch(tm) is a mobile computing solution that, when inserted in a portable's type II PC Card (PCMCIA) slot, enables one touch security for portable PC users.
Using SCM Microsystems' secured interfacing technology for PCMCIA and its own fingerprint authentication solutions, Identix has developed BioTouch. BioTouch secures a portable PC and its contents by controlling access using Identix's BioLogon(tm) Security software to restrict access to Enterprise and Internet applications.
A BioTouch user simply presses the side of the device and out slides the fingerprint reader. The user places their finger on the small optical sensor and their finger is matched to a previously enrolled account. When they are done, they just press the reader back into the PC Card and continue working -- no external cables are required, the device is completely self-contained inside the PC Card.
``The world's increasing reliance on data stored in computers or transmitted over a network requires that such information be safeguarded, yet easily accessible,'' said Alan Jones, President SCM Microsystems U.S. ``We are pleased to be able to work with Identix to bring our expertise in developing secure access solutions to a biometrics application, creating simple, protected access for anyone using a computer.''
``We believe fingerprint authentication to secure one's laptop and all its confidential information is the quintessential security requirement for the portable PC market,'' Grant Evans, Vice President of Identix and General Manager of its IT Security Division said. ``BioTouch has the potential to solve this dilemma with a cost effective and simple-to-use solution. It's faster than logging onto a computer or a network by typing passwords; and it provides unprecedented security for mobile computing and remote access users.''
The DFR 300, also announced today, was jointly developed by Identix and Motorola and designed for the portable IT and other mobile device markets. The BioTouch implementation is the first of several solutions planned for the DFR 300 and the rapidly growing mobile device market.
``The DFR 300 sets a new precedent in the biometrics market by overcoming former market barriers, such as cost, size and durability,'' said Roger Janikowski, Business Development Manager of Digital Imaging at Motorola. ``Motorola's advanced CMOS architecture enables the DFR 300 to measure 80 percent smaller than traditional readers. The DFR 300 is positioned to become the next omnipresent technology, redefining simple functions, such as unlocking your car, logging on to your computer, making transactions online or operating your cell phone.''
BioTouch PC cards are expected to be bundled with BioLogon 2.0 Client for Windows software, which delivers the industry's software precedent in speed, accuracy and flexibility in fingerprint security. The BioLogon 2.0 software suite supports Windows 95, 98 and NT4 operating systems, and provides a range of functionality, including: stand-alone and network logon; data encryption and decryption, application locking and a biometrically secure password bank, and multi-layered security for use with smart cards. (See BioLogon 2.0 related release of 11/16). The combination of the BioTouch fingerprint reader with BioLogon 2.0 software provides breakthrough security and convenience for today's laptop professional.
Availability of BioTouch
BioTouch is expected to be available from Identix's IDSafe resellers and distributors, and from the Identicator on-line store at www.identicator.com starting in December 1999 at a projected list price of $179.
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