More on hand geometry at airports . . .
The INS is expanding their INSPASS system. By February, it should also be installed in Miami, LA, Honolulu, Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver (Can.) and Montreal. The INS has spent $3 to $5 million on this system so far, depending on which report you read, and appears to have another $1 million lined up for the expansion through February. Not really big bucks. Eventually, the INS would like another 20 heavily-travelled airports in their system. INSPASS users also have to renew after one year with the INS.
Meanwhile, IBM has decided it can do a better job. It is testing its Fastgate system in Bermuda, also using hand geometry biometrics. According to Crains NY Business, "IBM plans to sell the service to credit card issuers such as American Express and Visa, along with issuers of frequent flyer cards and long-distance cards." The protocol for consumer use sounds about the same . . . Enrollment, card issuance, and use of card and hand verification at airport reader. IBM aims for their system to be in a few more airports by the first few months of next year, and ultimately wants 25-30 Fastgate installations over the next five years. They want to work with INS also. IBM wants millions, not thousands, of customers.
Brad -- You've reported IDX works with EDS, haven't you? And what about that continuing speculation that IBM wants in on biometrics -- here is some evidence it's more than talk. |
