AuthenTec Announces Solution Providers Network
12 May 1999
AuthenTec Announces Solution Providers Network
CHICAGO--May 12, 1999--Complete Customer Solutions that Work for Everyone
Foundation is AuthenTec's Patented E-Field Technology(TM)
CARDTECH/SECURTECH SHOW -- Following the recent launch of its E-Field Technology(TM), AuthenTec Inc., the first company to offer a biometric fingerprint identification technology capable of working for everyone, today announced the initial members of its new Solution Providers Network.
The Network aligns global industry leaders to deliver complete biometric fingerprint identification solutions for personal computer, data network and personal identification security.
"Our Solution Providers Network is a crucial step in both AuthenTec's evolution and the evolution of the fingerprint identification industry," said Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec. "Through the Network, we're offering our Solution Providers a better foundation for biometric solutions. Our E-Field Technology is the first to read beneath the surface layer of skin to the live layer, which enables superior reliability, durability and lower cost. We're confident this technology will help our Solution Providers deliver on the promise of biometrics for everyone."
The Solution Providers Network includes leaders in the fields of biometrics, encryption, hardware platforms and application software. E-Field Technology -- the foundation of AuthenTec's planned FingerLoc(TM) product offering -- will enable total fingerprint identification solutions to help revolutionize markets including PCs, networking, home security, access control, automotive and E-commerce.
"Other fingerprint identification companies have developed solution networks in the past, but the promise of these networks has gone unfulfilled because they're rooted in technologies that don't work for everyone," said Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec. "As the market realizes the pitfalls of previous fingerprint identification technologies, AuthenTec is spearheading a new era in biometrics. Backed by our E-Field Technology(TM), we're offering our Network the security of knowing that the solutions we help deliver will work under real-world conditions."
Last month, AuthenTec launched its patented E-Field Technology, a whole new generation of fingerprint identification. Previous technologies read the fingerprint on the skin's outer layer and often fail to acquire prints from dry, worn, or otherwise "contaminated" skin on significant portions of the population. Unlike these technologies, E-Field Technology is not limited by skin surface issues because it reads the sub-surface layer of skin, where the true fingerprint originates.
The Solution Providers will work with AuthenTec to develop complete biometric solutions for end customers. These will include such products as stand-alone computer peripherals, access control units and integrated security systems for PCs. The initial members of AuthenTec's Solution Provider Network include:
Biometric Identification Inc. (Biometric ID), Sherman Oaks, Calif., is an innovator in developing and integrating fingerprint authorization and verification technology. Biometric ID's patented Ridge Recognition algorithm leverages 20 years of experience in designing high-tech systems for the U.S. Department of Defense. This algorithm uniquely adjusts for the effects of swollen, dirty, scarred or cut fingers - the main pitfalls of minutia technology.
Chicony, Taipei, Taiwan, is a global leader in keyboards and a major notebook OEM/ODM manufacturer.
I/O Software, Riverside, Calif., is a leading-edge application software developer that supports biometric service provider solutions. I/O Software's SecureSuite(TM) is a suite of integrated applications that brings the convenience and security of biometric and other authentication methods to a PC or network environment. SecureSuite enhances the security of your computer, and the data stored on it, by requiring a fingerprint or other biometric characteristic to be verified before allowing access.
Keyware Technologies, Brussels, Belgium and Woburn, Mass., is a global technology company and the pioneer in Layered Biometric Verification - LBV(R) for enhanced security and convenience. Keyware's LBV(R) is an open architecture concept which allows the combination of any type of biometric technologies, such as fingerprint, voice and face verification. The LBV(R) Server offers a client-server architecture, integrates several biometric technologies, and provides flexibility and scalability, allowing clients to decide on the biometric solution that meets their security needs. Keyware caters to multiple markets including network and data security, telephony and physical access control.
Paradise Innovations, Singapore, designs, manufactures and markets PC peripheral products, video adapter cards, Internet setup boxes, and communications and multimedia products.
Phoenix Technologies, San Jose, Calif., Phoenix's system-level software products are fundamental to the operation of hundreds of millions of electronic devices in use each day, including PCs, peripherals, mobile communications devices, telecommunications switches, consumer electronics products, industrial controllers are Internet appliances.
Rainbow Technologies, Irvine, Calif., is a leader in applying security-related technology to the Internet solutions market. Rainbow developed the iKey, a USB-based portable authentication token that can provide strong two-factor authentication, perform 1024-bit calculations and store digital certificates. The iKey provides secure, reliable access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Intranets, Extranets and the Internet.
SAFLINK Corporation, Tampa, Fla., develops and markets standards-based biometric authentication software in support of the PC enterprise network and Internet markets. SAFLINK's Secure Authentication Facility (SAF) suite of multi-biometric network security products delivers enterprise-level secure access control to network operating system platforms and network applications.
In addition to its Solution Providers Network, AuthenTec is supportive of pivotal industry standards. AuthenTec is a member of the BioAPI Consortium, which is working to facilitate the delivery of a single, open Application Programming Interface (API). To further accelerate the adoption of fingerprint authentication technology, AuthenTec has developed a standard interface as an extension to Intel's existing Common Data Security Architecture (CDSA). CDSA is a security framework for data security on PCs, workstations and servers established to enable E-commerce and Internet transactions.
AuthenTec is demonstrating its E-Field Technology in applications with several of its Solution Providers here at the CTST show. In booth no. 954, visitors can try more than a half dozen different demonstrations that illustrate the print quality, acquisition success and applications made possible with E-Field Technology. AuthenTec will demonstrate that it is software and algorithm independent by using its E-Field Technology with popular software and algorithm packages from companies such as Biometric ID and SAFLINK.
AuthenTec, Inc. is a privately-held company located in Melbourne, FL. Spun off from Harris Corporation in October 1998, AuthenTec is the only provider of personal security and identification technology capable of being used by everyone. Using next-generation E-Field Technology, AuthenTec delivers convenient security for real-world applications replacing keys, cards, passwords and PINs. Visit AuthenTec's Web site at www.authentec.com.
To receive more information about AuthenTec's Solution Providers Network, or to become a Solution Providers Network member, companies can contact Jim Martin, Director, Strategic Alliances, at jmartin@authentec.com, or at 407/308-1330.
Editor's note: for more information about AuthenTec's technology demonstrations at CTST, see May 13 release, "AuthenTec Demonstrates Fingerprint Identification Applications at CardTech/SecureTech '99 Show," on Business Wire, at www.authentec.com, at CTST booth no. 954, or reach Meg Colafella at mcolafel@authentec.com.