Forwarded From: "Spencer, Will" <wspencert_private> Tuesday July 7, 8:41 am Eastern Time Company Press Release Compaq First to Announce State-of-The-Art Security Solution To its Business Customers For Under $100 Biometrics-Based Technology Greatly Improves Network Security and Reduces Help Desk Calls HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 1998-- Continuing to deliver the latest technologies that reduce the cost of managing information technology, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ - news) today announced the Compaq Fingerprint Identification Technology -- the first affordable biometric security technology offering. This state-of-the-art security product, compatible with Compaq Deskpro, Armada PCs, and Professional Workstations, tightens network security, simplifies the login process and reduces the costs associated with managing large corporate networks. The Fingerprint Identification Technology is available now in limited quantities for testing and evaluation. The product is expected to ship worldwide in August and be priced at $99(1) per node. ``Fingerprint Identification Technology is an outstanding example of useful innovation and how Compaq responds to customer demands for a simplified computing experience,'' said Michael Winkler, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Personal Computer Products Group, Compaq Computer Corporation. ``Linking this very affordable security solution with award-winning Deskpro PCs will help our commercial customers manage their distributed computing environment, as well as help them lower the number of calls to the help desk. We are very excited to be the first PC vendor to deliver this advanced solution.'' Compaq has also taken a leadership role in driving the industry to standardize on biometric technologies. In April, Compaq formed the BioAPI Consortium with Identicator Technology, IBM, Microsoft, Novell and Miros. The goal of the consortium is to establish industry standards for biometric-oriented Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and to incorporate these standards into operating systems. Industry standards will help ensure compatibility and interchangeability of biometric hardware and software products. Tightens Network Security and Reduces Administrative Costs Fingerprint Identification Technology dramatically improves the security of Microsoft Windows NT based networks by effectively replacing passwords with unique fingerprints. Passwords represent potential security risks because they can be duplicated or stolen, and are frequently posted on a sticky note attached to a PC monitor. Although tighter security usually means more work for administrators, Compaq Fingerprint Identification Technology also reduces network management costs. IT groups regularly report that up to 50 percent of help desk calls are forgotten or expired passwords. By virtually eliminating the need for passwords, Fingerprint Identification Technology reduces the number of calls to IT Help Desks and lowers network administration costs. Compaq Fingerprint Identification Technology is designed for enterprise customers at organizations with a high interest in security, such as financial institutions, where security of accounts and transactions is essential, and medical organizations where security risks revolve around patient data and patented formulas. It also appeals to companies striving to reduce help desk and desktop management costs. Fingerprint Identification Technology, jointly developed by Compaq and Identicator Technology, uses Identicator's innovative DFR-200 reader technology and its outstanding and proven software algorithm technologies. Identicator's software has already been successfully implemented by a large number of its customers, ensuring that this technology is stable and proven. The software also builds on the existing Microsoft Windows NT-based domain authentication infrastructure, ensuring seamless compatibility with existing environments. Compaq's Fingerprint Identification Technology is compatible with Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 operating systems. The very small Fingerprint Reader can be mounted on the side of a monitor or Deskpro, freeing up valuable desktop space. It is also compatible with and complementary to all Smart Card-based security products. The Fingerprint Reader easily connects to the parallel port and either the mouse or keyboard port via a power pass-through cable. -o- Subscribe: mail majordomot_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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