To all,
Question of the week... Expert???
Ask the Expert: Question of the Week Looking For Portable Biometrics by Jacqueline Emigh (November 09, 1999)
Q: With all this talk in the industry lately about fingerprint IDs for security, I'm curious to know when we're ever going to see fingerprint-scanning devices that are more convenient for mobile use?
- Kenneth Andersen
A: As you probably know, vendors are already selling fingerprint-reading peripherals that attach to laptop and desktop PCs through the parallel or Universal Serial Bus port. Now, more streamlined approaches are on the way. Acer is expected to be the first laptop maker to unveil a notebook PC with a built-in fingerprint scanner. Others pondering entering this category include IBM and Compaq, say sources close to the situation.
Meanwhile, Motorola is reportedly considering building a pager with a built-in fingerprint reader, and PDA makers Ericsson and Nokia might get in on the act as well. Look for a slate of industry announcements at Fall Comdex.
For the built-in fingerprint scanners, vendors are eyeing applications ranging from prescription-writing by doctors to home banking by consumers. Mainly, the digital fingerprint IDs will be used in conjunction with other types of authentication, such as passwords or smart cards, for an extra security boost.
planetit.com
steve |
