- Email: [email protected]
Saflink sells biometric middleware; patent warning issued by new owners
NEWS fingerprint
Cross Match Technologies wins DHS order Cross Match Technologies has announced that it will provide up to 3,000 L SCAN Guardian 10-fingerprint livescan units for the US Department of Homeland Security’s USVISIT program. Cross Match will provide the Guardian devices to DHS through its partner, CounterTrade Products, who received an initial task order for 25 units that will support a series of operational tests scheduled to begin at US airports this summer. According to James W. Ziglar, president & CEO of Cross Match Technologies: “The Guardian was developed to meet DHS’ operational requirements in demanding, high traffic environments such as US Ports of Entry, where passengers must be processed quickly and efficiently.” Introduced in March 2006, the Guardian is a 10-fingerprint capture system measuring 6”x6”x4.7” and weighing four pounds. Contact: James Ziglar at Cross Match, Tel: +1 561 622 1650, email: [email protected]
company news
Saflink sells biometric middleware; patent warning issued by new owners US biometric company Saflink Corporation has announced the sale of source code for its biometric middleware products – SAFsolution and SAFmodule – to , IdentiPHI, a company that has been in the authentication and identity management market as an OEM provider of integrated third party products for many years. According to the terms of the agreement, Saflink received US$778,000 in cash and will also receive royalties on sales during the next three years that incorporate the SAFsolution or SAFmodule source code. IdentiPHI is a privately-held entity with an established distribution and significant relationships with top-tier, global computer manufacturers. The opportunity includes the ability to bundle SAFsolution and SAFmodule into software that is included on laptops and PCs manufactured by IdentiPHI’s partners and sold to corporate, government and retail customers. Based on current sales projections, Saflink believes the royalties could be a multi-million dollar income stream during the next three years.
Biometric Technology Today • March 2007
Other terms of the agreement include the buyer taking over Saflink’s current customer base for SAFsolution and SAFmodule. According to Steve Oyer, CEO, Saflink: “This transaction confirms our commitment to the strategy of Saflink’s core technology group - to leverage our strong intellectual property portfolio to strategic partners who can monetize our technologies with collaborative business models that are mutually beneficial.” SAFsolution and SAFmodule allow corporate and government users to use strong authentication methods such as smart cards and fingerprints as well as other biometric methods such as facial recognition, iris, and retina patterns to be authenticated. SAFsolution integrates Microsoft Windows Active Directory to boost network and workstation authentication security and simplify or eliminate password management. SAFmodule brings biometric authentication to Novell eDirectory networks. IdentiPHI says it will be releasing a major update of the SAFsolution code in summer 2007 to support Microsoft Vista as well as 64-bit versions of Server 2003 and Longhorn. Subsequent releases in late 2007 will incorporate additional security features such as Trusted Platform Module support for key management applications and file/folder encryption. IdentiPHI will further expand on the software offerings of other partners to enhance biometric support to our IdentiPHI Single Sign-On product which is an OEM from ActivIdentity. According to Peter Gilbert, CEO of IdentiPHI: “The biometric market has been expanding recently as more and more computer manufacturers are imbedding sensors into their notebook platforms. This is the sign that biometrics have made the mainstream and we see exponential growth from here.” In addition to the software products acquired, IdentiPHI received a royalty-free, non-exclusive license right of use for Saflink’s Patent No. 6,618,806, or 806 Patent, issued 9 September 2003. The terms of the agreement include provisions for IdentiPHI to jointly enforce and seek remedies from infringers of this patent with Saflink. Many existing biometric solution providers use a matching process similar to the one outlined in the 806 patent. The 806 Patent is a process for controlling access to a computer network using biometric authentication. The patent primarily addresses a critical step in biometric authentication – the policy system. This patent describes how to control access in a computer network environment with a policybased biometric authentication solution. For instance, it applies to systems that obtain a
application news • L-1 Identity Solutions has received an order from the Canadian government for US$2.8 million in document authentication readers with Smartchip/RFID capabilities from Viisage Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L-1. The readers will be used at Canada’s international airports and land border crossings to quickly and accurately read and authenticate electronic passports that contain personal information stored on RFID chips. The readers are part of a technology refresh program for Canada, as well as an extension of the technology for use at landborders. The order is for 415 readers, in combination with the 400 already deployed in Canada. It makes the Canadian program the single largest deployment of RFID-enabled document authentication readers in the world, the supplier claims. • Aware has announced that NASA has deployed its new Biometric Workflow Platform (BWP) as part of its PIVcompliant credentialing system upgrade. Aware’s BWP, a serviceoriented server platform, was used by ID Networks, the project’s system integrator, to bring the NASA credentialing system into compliance with PIV standards and requirements. In addition to BWP, Aware’s PIVSuite software components were used to develop the new enrollment workstation application. The application performs all required enrollment and administrative functions, including collection of biometric fingerprint, facial, and applicant signature images, data formatting, and credential validation. • AGS has successfully installed On-Line Biometric Kisan ATMs for Dena Bank in India. The ATMs work both with PIN as well as with fingerprints. The ATM has audio-visual screens that guide illiterate people to perform a transaction. The Kisan Biometric ATM solution will be under pilot by six banks.
3
NEWS
product news • Datastrip has announced that its DSVII handheld biometric/ identification card reader has been approved for purchase by federal agencies under the General Services Administration’s FIPS 201 evaluation program. The approvals enable the Datastrip device to be used for smart card and fingerprint-based personal identity verification of federal employees, contractors and first responders in any location – including streets and other mobile sites – under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). According to Datastrip, the DSVII is the first single fingerprint capture device on the GSA’s approved list. The unit’s smart card reader also can read contactless identity documents. Each DSVII device includes a built-in 500 dpi fingerprint sensor for instant matching of a live fingerprint to a biometric template, plus a contact/contactless smart card reader for reading PIV 2.0 documents. • bioMETRX, a developer and supplier of consumer-based fingerprint solutions, has acquired a patent that encompasses biometric security for thermostat and HVAC controllers. The smartSTAT Thermostat uses finger activated technology to prevent unauthorized changes in temperature settings.The product is aimed at unauthorized changes in temperature settings by children, tenants, restaurant employees and patrons and store employees. The thermostat is expected to retail for US$189.99. • id-Confirm and Identiprise Corporation have integrated id-Confirm’s biometric authentication id4u device and SecureLink System and Identiprise’s SecuredUser single sign-on (SSO) solution. The companies claim that the partnering of these two technologies provides a complete platform with strong biometric authentication, comprehensive application access control and audit management functionality.
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user’s ID, determines which biometric to use for authentication (using either a user-specific policy or a system default policy), captures the user’s biometric, compares the live sample to a record on file, and allows the user to log on if matched. Contact: Carey Shaw for IdentiPHI, Tel: +1 512 492 6220, Email: [email protected].
TSA gives Saflink the green light Saflink says it has received notification from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that it has met the minimum participation requirements to offer registered traveller (RT) services in the USA. The notification from the TSA helps Saflink and the other members of the FLO (Fast Lane Option) Alliance, including Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Johnson Controls, Smiths Detection (an operating division of Smiths Group) and ID Technology Partners, in their efforts to finalise contracts with airports and airlines interested in deploying an RT solution. The certification is a necessary step toward gaining final TSA approval to operate an RT deployment. The TSA’s Registered Traveller programme is designed to allow individuals who voluntarily undergo an in-depth background check, provide biometric information (such as a fingerprint or iris scan) and pay an annual fee to take advantage of expedited security screening procedures at participating US airports.
vein
Hitachi and Fujitsu win vein orders in diverse markets Two of the leading suppliers of vein recognition equipment have unveiled new applications for their technology. Fujitsu announced that it has implemented its PalmSecure biometric authentication device at the City of Angels Medical Center, which engages in the ownership, management and operation of hospitals in the Greater Los Angeles area. The technology will be used in the Urgent Care department in an effort to streamline all healthcare administrative processes and to safeguard unauthorized access to the protected health records. According to the company, the solution will also aid the facility in complying with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements of security and privacy standards. The PalmSecure device authenticates an individual based on the person’s palm vein pattern. The sensor introduces a second layer of protection for medical personnel when accessing confidential patient records as well as other sensitive data, whilst its contactless interface makes it hygienic and non-invasive. For this project, the medical centre will also implement Softex Inc’s OmniPass Client Edition security software which can be used by administrators to securely login to
patient records and other medical applications, in addition to protecting data on the systems. In New York, Hitachi’s finger vein authentication technology has been selected by Shinkin Central Bank, a cooperative financial institution whose membership is composed of local residents and small and medium-sized companies. With the relocation of the branch in February this year the Bank decided to employ the new Hitachi technology, the first application of this particular access control system in the United States. The system is implemented in the trading room, the operation room and the server room of the Bank. When entering a room, an ID number is entered into a keypad, and the finger is placed on a reader for validation of the vascular pattern. Upon confirmation, entry to the room is permitted. Employing this type of biometric device eliminates the need for keys or cards by employees, the supplier claims. Up until now, Hitachi’s finger vein authentication system business has focused on the Japanese market for applications such as ATMs for financial institutions. However, it is now starting to branch out with PC access and building entry applications, and to further promote the technology, Hitachi has established “Finger Vein Authentication Business Centers” in the United States, Europe, Singapore and China.
dsv
Wacom announces paperlike signature tablet A new signature capture device by Wacom has been released as a prototype, which aims to provide the perfect signing conditions for users. One of the biggest problems for dynamic signature verification technology is when users are confronted with technology that allows them to sign their name, but does not have the capability to visually feedback the signature to the user as they are signing. This lack of feedback has proven to be off-putting to some users, and is a strong advantage of screen-based signature tablets. However, even screen tablets have their problems, and it is these that Wacom’s newest device is attempting to rectify. Wacom’s new signature-based LCD tablet presents an easy to use interface to capture high quality biometrical profiles of handwritten digital signatures. The pen tablet prototype digitizes handwritten signatures directly when writing on the LC display and has been developed primarily for business processes where, today, hardcopies are still printed and personally signed. Critically, the tablet has a paper-like look and feel. The tablet has a compact reflective TFT LC
Biometric Technology Today • March 2007
Cross Match Technologies wins DHS order Cross Match Technologies has announced that it will provide up to 3,000 L SCAN Guardian 10-fingerprint livescan units for the US Department of Homeland Security’s USVISIT program. Cross Match will provide the Guardian devices to DHS through its partner, CounterTrade Products, who received an initial task order for 25 units that will support a series of operational tests scheduled to begin at US airports this summer. According to James W. Ziglar, president & CEO of Cross Match Technologies: “The Guardian was developed to meet DHS’ operational requirements in demanding, high traffic environments such as US Ports of Entry, where passengers must be processed quickly and efficiently.” Introduced in March 2006, the Guardian is a 10-fingerprint capture system measuring 6”x6”x4.7” and weighing four pounds. Contact: James Ziglar at Cross Match, Tel: +1 561 622 1650, email: [email protected]
company news
Saflink sells biometric middleware; patent warning issued by new owners US biometric company Saflink Corporation has announced the sale of source code for its biometric middleware products – SAFsolution and SAFmodule – to , IdentiPHI, a company that has been in the authentication and identity management market as an OEM provider of integrated third party products for many years. According to the terms of the agreement, Saflink received US$778,000 in cash and will also receive royalties on sales during the next three years that incorporate the SAFsolution or SAFmodule source code. IdentiPHI is a privately-held entity with an established distribution and significant relationships with top-tier, global computer manufacturers. The opportunity includes the ability to bundle SAFsolution and SAFmodule into software that is included on laptops and PCs manufactured by IdentiPHI’s partners and sold to corporate, government and retail customers. Based on current sales projections, Saflink believes the royalties could be a multi-million dollar income stream during the next three years.
Biometric Technology Today • March 2007
Other terms of the agreement include the buyer taking over Saflink’s current customer base for SAFsolution and SAFmodule. According to Steve Oyer, CEO, Saflink: “This transaction confirms our commitment to the strategy of Saflink’s core technology group - to leverage our strong intellectual property portfolio to strategic partners who can monetize our technologies with collaborative business models that are mutually beneficial.” SAFsolution and SAFmodule allow corporate and government users to use strong authentication methods such as smart cards and fingerprints as well as other biometric methods such as facial recognition, iris, and retina patterns to be authenticated. SAFsolution integrates Microsoft Windows Active Directory to boost network and workstation authentication security and simplify or eliminate password management. SAFmodule brings biometric authentication to Novell eDirectory networks. IdentiPHI says it will be releasing a major update of the SAFsolution code in summer 2007 to support Microsoft Vista as well as 64-bit versions of Server 2003 and Longhorn. Subsequent releases in late 2007 will incorporate additional security features such as Trusted Platform Module support for key management applications and file/folder encryption. IdentiPHI will further expand on the software offerings of other partners to enhance biometric support to our IdentiPHI Single Sign-On product which is an OEM from ActivIdentity. According to Peter Gilbert, CEO of IdentiPHI: “The biometric market has been expanding recently as more and more computer manufacturers are imbedding sensors into their notebook platforms. This is the sign that biometrics have made the mainstream and we see exponential growth from here.” In addition to the software products acquired, IdentiPHI received a royalty-free, non-exclusive license right of use for Saflink’s Patent No. 6,618,806, or 806 Patent, issued 9 September 2003. The terms of the agreement include provisions for IdentiPHI to jointly enforce and seek remedies from infringers of this patent with Saflink. Many existing biometric solution providers use a matching process similar to the one outlined in the 806 patent. The 806 Patent is a process for controlling access to a computer network using biometric authentication. The patent primarily addresses a critical step in biometric authentication – the policy system. This patent describes how to control access in a computer network environment with a policybased biometric authentication solution. For instance, it applies to systems that obtain a
application news • L-1 Identity Solutions has received an order from the Canadian government for US$2.8 million in document authentication readers with Smartchip/RFID capabilities from Viisage Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L-1. The readers will be used at Canada’s international airports and land border crossings to quickly and accurately read and authenticate electronic passports that contain personal information stored on RFID chips. The readers are part of a technology refresh program for Canada, as well as an extension of the technology for use at landborders. The order is for 415 readers, in combination with the 400 already deployed in Canada. It makes the Canadian program the single largest deployment of RFID-enabled document authentication readers in the world, the supplier claims. • Aware has announced that NASA has deployed its new Biometric Workflow Platform (BWP) as part of its PIVcompliant credentialing system upgrade. Aware’s BWP, a serviceoriented server platform, was used by ID Networks, the project’s system integrator, to bring the NASA credentialing system into compliance with PIV standards and requirements. In addition to BWP, Aware’s PIVSuite software components were used to develop the new enrollment workstation application. The application performs all required enrollment and administrative functions, including collection of biometric fingerprint, facial, and applicant signature images, data formatting, and credential validation. • AGS has successfully installed On-Line Biometric Kisan ATMs for Dena Bank in India. The ATMs work both with PIN as well as with fingerprints. The ATM has audio-visual screens that guide illiterate people to perform a transaction. The Kisan Biometric ATM solution will be under pilot by six banks.
3
NEWS
product news • Datastrip has announced that its DSVII handheld biometric/ identification card reader has been approved for purchase by federal agencies under the General Services Administration’s FIPS 201 evaluation program. The approvals enable the Datastrip device to be used for smart card and fingerprint-based personal identity verification of federal employees, contractors and first responders in any location – including streets and other mobile sites – under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). According to Datastrip, the DSVII is the first single fingerprint capture device on the GSA’s approved list. The unit’s smart card reader also can read contactless identity documents. Each DSVII device includes a built-in 500 dpi fingerprint sensor for instant matching of a live fingerprint to a biometric template, plus a contact/contactless smart card reader for reading PIV 2.0 documents. • bioMETRX, a developer and supplier of consumer-based fingerprint solutions, has acquired a patent that encompasses biometric security for thermostat and HVAC controllers. The smartSTAT Thermostat uses finger activated technology to prevent unauthorized changes in temperature settings.The product is aimed at unauthorized changes in temperature settings by children, tenants, restaurant employees and patrons and store employees. The thermostat is expected to retail for US$189.99. • id-Confirm and Identiprise Corporation have integrated id-Confirm’s biometric authentication id4u device and SecureLink System and Identiprise’s SecuredUser single sign-on (SSO) solution. The companies claim that the partnering of these two technologies provides a complete platform with strong biometric authentication, comprehensive application access control and audit management functionality.
4
user’s ID, determines which biometric to use for authentication (using either a user-specific policy or a system default policy), captures the user’s biometric, compares the live sample to a record on file, and allows the user to log on if matched. Contact: Carey Shaw for IdentiPHI, Tel: +1 512 492 6220, Email: [email protected].
TSA gives Saflink the green light Saflink says it has received notification from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that it has met the minimum participation requirements to offer registered traveller (RT) services in the USA. The notification from the TSA helps Saflink and the other members of the FLO (Fast Lane Option) Alliance, including Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Johnson Controls, Smiths Detection (an operating division of Smiths Group) and ID Technology Partners, in their efforts to finalise contracts with airports and airlines interested in deploying an RT solution. The certification is a necessary step toward gaining final TSA approval to operate an RT deployment. The TSA’s Registered Traveller programme is designed to allow individuals who voluntarily undergo an in-depth background check, provide biometric information (such as a fingerprint or iris scan) and pay an annual fee to take advantage of expedited security screening procedures at participating US airports.
vein
Hitachi and Fujitsu win vein orders in diverse markets Two of the leading suppliers of vein recognition equipment have unveiled new applications for their technology. Fujitsu announced that it has implemented its PalmSecure biometric authentication device at the City of Angels Medical Center, which engages in the ownership, management and operation of hospitals in the Greater Los Angeles area. The technology will be used in the Urgent Care department in an effort to streamline all healthcare administrative processes and to safeguard unauthorized access to the protected health records. According to the company, the solution will also aid the facility in complying with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements of security and privacy standards. The PalmSecure device authenticates an individual based on the person’s palm vein pattern. The sensor introduces a second layer of protection for medical personnel when accessing confidential patient records as well as other sensitive data, whilst its contactless interface makes it hygienic and non-invasive. For this project, the medical centre will also implement Softex Inc’s OmniPass Client Edition security software which can be used by administrators to securely login to
patient records and other medical applications, in addition to protecting data on the systems. In New York, Hitachi’s finger vein authentication technology has been selected by Shinkin Central Bank, a cooperative financial institution whose membership is composed of local residents and small and medium-sized companies. With the relocation of the branch in February this year the Bank decided to employ the new Hitachi technology, the first application of this particular access control system in the United States. The system is implemented in the trading room, the operation room and the server room of the Bank. When entering a room, an ID number is entered into a keypad, and the finger is placed on a reader for validation of the vascular pattern. Upon confirmation, entry to the room is permitted. Employing this type of biometric device eliminates the need for keys or cards by employees, the supplier claims. Up until now, Hitachi’s finger vein authentication system business has focused on the Japanese market for applications such as ATMs for financial institutions. However, it is now starting to branch out with PC access and building entry applications, and to further promote the technology, Hitachi has established “Finger Vein Authentication Business Centers” in the United States, Europe, Singapore and China.
dsv
Wacom announces paperlike signature tablet A new signature capture device by Wacom has been released as a prototype, which aims to provide the perfect signing conditions for users. One of the biggest problems for dynamic signature verification technology is when users are confronted with technology that allows them to sign their name, but does not have the capability to visually feedback the signature to the user as they are signing. This lack of feedback has proven to be off-putting to some users, and is a strong advantage of screen-based signature tablets. However, even screen tablets have their problems, and it is these that Wacom’s newest device is attempting to rectify. Wacom’s new signature-based LCD tablet presents an easy to use interface to capture high quality biometrical profiles of handwritten digital signatures. The pen tablet prototype digitizes handwritten signatures directly when writing on the LC display and has been developed primarily for business processes where, today, hardcopies are still printed and personally signed. Critically, the tablet has a paper-like look and feel. The tablet has a compact reflective TFT LC
Biometric Technology Today • March 2007