HP biometric probability . . . .
According to Computer Reseller News, dated today, "Scanners that identify and authenticate users via fingerprints will ship for use with HP's OmniBook laptop line by early 1999, said Stacey Wueste, marketing manager for OmniBook notebook PCs at HP, Palo Alto, Calif. The technology will be offered as an accessory, first for mobile PCs and later for desktop systems, she said. . . . HP estimates the biometric security features will add $50 to $150 to system pricing."
The price is right, and the Key Tronic connection is there. Here's a little more, from MC Technology Markeeting Intelligence, October 1998:
"'The general customer is still not on our radar screen . . . Our strategy is to grow corporate medium and large and to move to other types of business customers' -- especially enterprise-oriented customers that do their buying by individual departments . . . . " According to an HP spokesman, "Our product line will reflect new technology as long as it is shaken down enough to be reliable in the corporate environment.'"
HP is making multi-thousand unit sales to corporate customers.
If that doesn't look like the Compaq business profile for biometrics, I don't know what does. Fingerprint accessory, right price range, proven technology, business use. Once again, I think that HP will be ours. |
