Monday January 25, 7:47 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Unisys Announces Desktop Security Solution Based on Fingerprint Imaging
Biometrics-based technology dramatically improves the user friendliness of security for Unisys Windows NT servers and desktop systems
BLUE BELL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 1999-- Unisys Corp. Monday announced the immediate availability of SP BioPin fingerprint imaging, a solution that uses fingerprints instead of passwords to verify the identity of users.
By replacing passwords, which can be lost, forgotten or stolen, fingerprint authentication makes fraudulent entry of protected systems virtually impossible while dramatically simplifying the log-in process for users, who no longer need to remember passwords.
To enter a system secured by SP BioPin, the user places a finger on a scanner installed at the workstation. The user's fingerprint is compared with fingerprint data stored in the security database on a central Windows NT authentication server or locally on n the workstation.
If the fingerprint scanned at the workstation matches the user fingerprint data in the authentication database, system access is granted and the user may log on.
Based on Identicator Technology's unique fingerprint extraction and matching algorithms, SP BioPin works with all Unisys servers and desktop systems. It is also available with the Unisys Single Point Security (SPS) suite of software security products for access control and administration of large-scale, complex computing environments.
SPS gives users access to multiple, heterogeneous systems and applications through the use of a single user identity token, such as a password or finger image. It also gives systems administrators control over user access from a single point of administration. For more information visit the Single Point Security website at www.marketplace.unisys.com/sp-security.
''Digital finger imaging technology has finally become affordable,'' said Bill Maclean, vice president, Program Management, Unisys Computer Systems. ''The pricing of our BioPin technology will pave the way for ubiquitous use of fingerprint authentication on desktop systems. We expect that the security technique will become as widespread as passwords are today.''
The standalone SP BioPin fingerprint scanning device, with software, lists for $135. Integrated in a standard English language keyboard, the solution lists for $174.
''We are very pleased to see Unisys take the next step in deploying this technology,'' said Oz Pieper, president, Identicator Technology. ''The integration of our technology with Unisys products places Unisys on the leading edge. The Identicator and Unisys solution will provide the enterprise market with a more secure, user friendly alternative to traditional password systems.''
Unisys has taken an active role in the drive to standardize on biometric technologies by joining with other major corporations as a contributor to the BioAPI Consortium. The goal of the consortium is to establish industry standards for biometric-oriented application interfaces and to incorporate these standards into operating systems.
Industry standards will help ensure compatibility and interchangeability of biometric hardware and software products.
For more information visit the Single Point Security website at www.marketplace.unisys.com/sp-security.
About Unisys
Unisys (NYSE:UIS - news) is more than 33,000 employees helping customers in 100 countries apply information technology to solve their business problems.
Unisys solutions are based on a broad portfolio of global information services including systems integration, outsourcing, ''repeatable'' application solutions, consulting, network integration, remote network management, and multivendor maintenance and support, coupled with enterprise-class servers and associated middleware, software and storage.
Repeatable solutions are focused on key vertical markets including financial services, transportation, telecommunications, government, publishing and other commercial markets. Headquartered in Blue Bell, in the Greater Philadelphia area, Unisys had 1998 annnual revenue of $7.2 billion. Access the Unisys home page on the World Wide Web -- unisys.com -- for further information.
Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corp. All other brands and products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. |
