Intel's IDea won't identify users, but will identify workstations. In other words, it doesn't compete with biometrics in authenticating the user. To a certain degree, it would compete with digital certificates, but not completely there, either, since in any biometric server-based operation, a user can log on from anywhere in a network and take advantage of biometrics and a user ID. If the Intel machine were being used on the Compaq system, and users were to stay put, you could get on the network without a identifying password (your computer is your identifying password), but more than ever you would need the fingerscan ID to confirm you are who you are supposed to be.
If Intel decides to go one step further, and incorporate a biometric algorithm in its machines to work with any reader that meets certain technical criteria . . . then we might see trouble, since even if IDX gets picked for the biometric design reference, margins would be small, and if IDX isn't picked you don't want to think about it. An Intel machine that both identified itself and provide for user authentication would not only tell someone who was at the other end, but where that other end was. Maybe that's more than anyone else needs to know, so maybe I'm worrying about this possible next step over nothing.
It's interesting to see how deeply, and how quickly, these identity issues are penetrating the computer industry. |
