Biometrics Security News and Information

The 3rd Quarter

Financial Results

In my Postings this week of the match up between the Iris and the Fingerprint, I neglected some other very important news.  That is, this is Earnings Season, and Biometric/Security Companies have been coming out with the results.

The latest Vendor which has released 3^rd Quarter Results (from what I have seen on the Internet) is Cogent Systems.  Apparently, 3^rd Quarter Revenues were valued at $28.9 Million versus $35 Million from just a year ago, and Net Income for the 3^rd Quarter was valued at $5.7 Million versus $12 Million from a year ago. 

It should be noted that all of the numbers mentioned are on a GAAP basis.

The Vendor expects to have good revenue growth with orders from the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS.  Specifically, this has to deal with the US-VISIT Program, and its use of 10 Fingerprints instead of the usual two (in fact, the US-VISIT Program is a major piece in my upcoming newsletter).  Other contracts are also in the pipeline from the Government side of things, especially with AFIS. 

The Vendor also announced a stock buy back program valued at $100 Million.

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

While revenue and net income numbers are down, this is pretty much true across the board of most of the Biometric/Security Vendors.  The global recession has not let up its grip on this sector either. 

But in my view, the good news is that at least in the Biometrics Sector, while numbers appear to be down, there is no volatility in the numbers.  So, hopefully this supports my hypothesis I have made earlier this year of slow, steady growth for Biometrics.

I would take this type of development rather than a sudden, explosive growth tapered off with a massive downturn.  But this is me, and I always tend to think about the long term impacts more than short term impacts.

The only thing I take issue with is that the Federal Government is still the major customer for Biometrics Products and Solutions.  It would really be encouraging to see the private sector have more in this.

But with everybody cutting back on spending (usually in time of recessions or other types of economic downturns, it is the IT and Security Budgets which get the axe first, because outsourcing is always a viable option because of its much cheaper costs), this shouldn’t be expected for quite some time.

Just recently, there seemed to be a little spurt in the increase of the private sector just recently, but it seems it has faded since then.

Source for this Posting:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7489/

The Finger Or The Eye???

A Fingerprint Test

Just yesterday, I wrote a Posting as to how I expect Iris Recognition to surpass Fingerprint Recognition in the coming year.  Well lo and behold, today I come across a Press Release which talks about a Fingerprint Test conducted by the same organization (the National Institute of Standards and Technology or NIST) which released the Iris Recognition Report.

This particular Fingerprint Test is known as the “Minutiae Interoperability Exchange”, or “MINEX” for short.  A Biometrics/Security Vendor known as “TigerIT Bangladesh Limited” claims that its Mathematical Algorithms for Verification/Identification/Extraction were overall superior, and was ranked #1.

Here are some of the details:  “The NIST test results were released on October 27, 2009 and revealed that combination of the TigerAFIS enrollment template generator and the matcher showed False Non-Match Rate 0.06% at a fixed False Match Rate of 0.01 for two fingers, outperforming everyone . . . Along with the best result for the combination of template generator and matcher, both these components of TigerAFIS maintain high interoperability. TigerAFIS combines its own false non match rate of 0.0006 with 0.0021 for median for template matcher and with 0.0031 for median enrollment generator into another best number among all of the vendors (the median is most relevant as it helps to remove the irregularities caused by nearly non-compliant vendors in the test). This result establishes that TigerAFIS template generator manages to effectively filter out noisy minutiae and yet preserve enough information to remain highly interoperable.”  (SOURCE:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7497/)

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

The actual, statistical results of the MINEX Test can be dowloaded here, at this link:

http://fingerprint.nist.gov/minex/Results.html

I find it very interesting in the over one year of blogging I have done with regards to Biometrics, this is the first time I can remember where I have seen two competing Biometric Technologies come out in such a neck to neck competition, and on successive days.

Hmmm . . . so what will it be?  The Finger or the Iris?  I’ll be a betting person and say the Iris will come out winning in the end.

Source for this Posting:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7497/

The Year 2010: A Huge Transition

A New, Dominant Biometric Technology

For the longest time, Hand Geometry Recognition and Fingerprint Recognition have been the predominant Biometric Technologies, virtually for all types of market applications, ranging from Physical Access Entry to the e-Passport and the National ID Card.

Well, according to a new report published by the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, or NIST for short, Iris Recognition is coming out strong, and could very well surpass Fingerprint Recognition as the new and dominant Biometric Technology of choice.

The report made mention of the fact that the mathematical algorithms utilized by Iris Recognition can keep up with their “accuracy and interoperability” with very small images.  According to the report, this proves that Iris Recognition can withstand the rigors of large scale market applications such as Identity Management, Cyber Security, etc.

Here are some more details:  “NIST established the Iris Exchange IREX program as a NIST-industry collaboration to encourage development of iris recognition algorithms operating on images conforming to the new ISO-IEC 19794-6 standard. The first IREX project, IREX I, provided quantitative support to the standard by conducting the largest independently administered test of iris recognition technology to date. The test attracted 19 recognition technologies from 10 different providers. This represents an order of magnitude expansion of the industry over the past five years . . . The international standard, now under revision, defined three competing image formats and three compression methods: the IREX I test narrowed the field by determining which ones performed consistently at a high level and are included in the IREX report. The image format test showed that two of the three formats performed well: these center and crop the iris, or center, crop and mask eyelids and eyelashes. The study also determined that two compression standards were found to squeeze the images to a size small enough for storage and transmission while retaining the necessary quality level. One is the JPEG2000 which gives better recognition accuracy than the more commonly used JPEG, and the other is PNG format that employs lossless compression to completely preserve the iris information.”  (SOURCE:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7494/).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

These findings by NIST come to no surprise to me.  I have been writing about the advances in Iris Recognition ever since the beginning of the year, and have always made the claim that it is the most rapidly developed Biometric Technology, in terms of advances being made.

The report discussed in this Posting can be downloaded here, at this link:

http://iris.nist.gov/irex/irex_report.pdf

Part of the claim comes from the fact that the robustness of the Iris Recognition Algorithms have come to the point where they can process images of the Iris, extract the unique features, and produce the Verification and Enrollment Biometric Templates, from just about any type of picture produced. 

As a result, this allows for the Iris Recognition Templates to fit onto the size of a Smart Card (thus, making the ideal Biometric Template for the National ID Card and the e-Passport), and because of this compression now available, the Iris Recognition Templates  can now  be transmitted across any Local Area Network or Wide Area Network. 

Ultimately, it is believed that “ . . . iris recognition . . . [can] advance . . . as the global interchange medium . . .”  (SOURCE:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7494/).

Let me bump up the time frame by saying that I believe 2010 will mark the passing of the torch from Fingerprint Recognition to Iris Recognition as the predominant Biometric Technology for quite a long time to come.  Truly, a new year of transition.

Source for this Posting:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7494/

The Physical And The Behavioral

Multimodal e-Passports

Today’s Posting continues with the theme of the e-Passport once again.  I realize that in recent months, my writings about the e-Passport have been fairly random, with not a lot of consistency, as I did at the beginning of the year. 

I guess this trend reflects, to a certain degree, the pace at which governments worldwide are implementing and deploying their various e-Passport Infrastructures and schemes.  The next country to be added to the list is Lithuania. 

The Government of Lithuania has decided upon a Biometrics/Security Vendor known as “Speed Identity” to provide the Biometrics component to their e-Passport Infrastructure.  Here are some of the details:  “After an extensive evaluation of the market’s technical solutions, the Lithuanian authority chose the tried and tested biometric capture solutions from Speed Identity. The solution has been used by Swedish Police Board and Swedish Migration Board for several years, both for the purpose of capturing biometric data such as facial pictures, finger prints and digital signatures. The data is used for the production of passports and migration documents.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=263870&arttitle=Speed%20Identity%20supplies%20biometric%20capture%20equipment%20for%20Lithuanian%20e-passports).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

The basic thrust of the e-Passport is to be able to store tons of Security Data and Information about an individual, and this includes employing the use of various types of Biometrics.  In most of the Postings I have written, the Biometrics to be used were primarily Fingerprint Recognition and/or Iris Recognition. 

I find it to be rather unique that the Lithuanian e-Passport scheme will also include Facial Recognition.  While this is a viable Biometric one can use, I have not come across it very often for its use in an e-Passport Infrastructure.

What is even more interesting, as noted in the above quote, is the Vendor’s ability to capture all sorts of Biometric Templates, both from a physical (Facial and Fingerprint Recognition) and behavioral (Signature Recognition) standpoints. 

Most, if not all, Biometric Multimodal Solutions either use multiple layers of one or the other, not both.

Well, I am definitely scratching my head about this one, physical and behavioral characteristics in one type of Security environment . . . .

Source for this Posting:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=263870&arttitle=Speed%20Identity%20supplies%20biometric%20capture%20equipment%20for%20Lithuanian%20e-passports

Biometrics In The Coming Decade

Dialogue On Biometrics

Well, as much as I have written about, I finally came across an event which took place in New Dehli, India, between September 24^th and September 25^th of this year (yea, I know we are already in November, but I just saw this today!!!). 

This event was called the “RISE Project”, and the major thrust of it was discussing the implications of Biometrics, Ethics, Policy Implications, etc.  A major player in this Project/Conference is an organization known as “Global Security Intelligence”, and one of the panels they moderated discussed such topics.

Here are the details of what transpired in New Dehli, on a macro level:  “The recent meeting, which took place at the Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi, was organized by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), a self-regulatory organization created by Nasscom. The meeting addressed broad issues between the EU and India related to the vital policy issues of security, data protection, privacy and ethics. Panel topics covered concerns on the use of biometric data, current practices in privacy protection, cyber security from a government's perspective, discussions on physical security, as well as reviewed several case studies related to the secure and privacy enhancing use of biometrics. The overall goal of the event was to promote and foster international conversations between India and Europe on these topics, as well as to engage stakeholders from the US and from other Asian nations.”  (SOURCE:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7481/).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

Apparently, this was a very well attended Conference, with more than 300 or so people participating in it.  But what is even more encouraging is that this Conference held in New Dehli is going to serve as a “springboard” for future events in the near future.  For example, another Conference will be held from January 4^th-January, 5^th in Hong Kong, and other smaller Conferences were held earlier in October of this year to gauge the issues of the European countries (this was held in Brussels). 

There are also other Conferences which will be held in March and September of next year, and an overall Conference discussing all of the key issues (I am assuming on a global level) will be held again in Brussels in December of 2010.

I think it is very encouraging to see this type of dialogue taking place, especially in Europe and Asia, where there have been great advances made in Biometrics and the e-Passport.  In my view, these geographic regions have really been much more proactive than the United States with regards to advancing new types of Biometrics Technologies, especially with regards to Security Documents. 

And now it seems, these regions could very well be taking the lead in discussing the public perception and social implications of Biometrics.  Even in the face of economic gloom and doom and the prosperity of people around the world in question, it is truly great to see people come together to talk about Biometrics.

To me, it is a sign that Biometrics will enjoy a healthy future in the coming decade.  If not in the United States, probably then in Europe and Asia.  Hopefully, in the coming decade, the emphasis will not be so much on further advancing Biometrics, but rather, advancing Biometrics in terms of public acceptance and its societal implications.

Source for this Posting:  http://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7481/

Biometrics On The Go

Technology Is Advancing

A Biometrics/Security Vendor known as “Sagem Securite” has just announced that it has unveiled a new Biometrics Product at the Biometrics 2009, a major Biometrics Tradeshow held in Europe in which the various Vendors come and show case their Biometrics Products and Solutions.

This new Product is called “Finger On The Fly”, and can literally capture images of a Fingerprint of a moving Hand.  Here are the details:  “For the first time, a contactless biometric recognition technology can capture and process the fingerprints from four fingers on a hand in movement, in just a few seconds. Well suited to current requirements, this technology enhances security and speeds up flows in crowded areas, such as airports. It can also be used as the basis for a more user-friendly identification system, involving fewer restrictions for users.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7484/).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

This is truly a testament to how much Biometrics Technology is advancing.  This is the first time I have come across a technology which can capture Biometrics from something in motion.  Quite some time ago, I wrote a Posting on a breakthrough in Iris Recognition, and how it can now be used to capture the Iris Images of people in motion as well.

Probably the next Biometric Technology which would be devoted to examining something in motion will be Gait Recognition.  This examines the unique ways and features in the way we walk, or our stride.  There is still some time till this proves to be a viable Biometric Technology, but when compared to the speed and level of the Research and Development of other Biometric Technologies in the pipeline, Gait Recognition has the most promise.

It would be truly fascinating to see if all of the existing Biometric Technologies can be captured from a standpoint of mobility.  Right now, all of these Biometric Technologies require the end user to be stationary while the unique features are extracted and the Biometric Templates are created.

However, as I am writing this Posting, there is one drawback I can foresee.  That is of the issue of Privacy Rights once again.  If Biometrics does indeed come to a point where all of the technologies can capture objects and unique features in motion, could this type of technology be implemented in a way which is analagous to having a CCTV Camera on every street corner?  It could very well be possible.

But despite this, just think about the potential this new realm to be known as “Biometrics On The Go” can offer to all sorts of the various types of Market Applications.

It truly boggles the mind and stimyies the imagination.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7484/

The Mobile Employee

Keeping Track Of Your Employees

Some time ago, I wrote a Posting as to how a trend could be emerging that the various Biometrics/Security Vendors are realizing the keyword “Integration”, which relates to creating Biometrics Products/Solutions to meet the everyday needs of the consumer, whether it is from shopping to social networking to accomplishing job related tasks.

I came across an article today which addresses the latter.  We all know that in the United States, a very volatile topic these days is  job loss and the overall economy.  Well, there is a Biometrics/Security Vendor known as “Simeio” has just launched what is known as a “Mobile Biometric Personnel Management System” which is designed primarily for those workers which are always on the go.

It is designed to be like a Cell Phone, and here are the details:  “The Simeio handset is a rugged and truly mobile device that uses a combination of finger print scanning, electronic signature and mobile GPS technology to verify a person’s identity and location. This removes the opportunity for data manipulation whilst ensuring that all people on a particular site have agreed to the site rules including, if relevant, acknowledging that they have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This information can be accessed in real-time, 24/7, by appropriate personnel using the secure Simeio web portal.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=263845&arttitle=Simeio%20mobile%20biometric%20handset%20verifies%20identity%20and%20location).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

This new type of device possesses a number of key advantages for both the worker and the employer.  For example:

*Significant savings:  This is realized in both time as well as money.  For example, if there is a dispute in the time worked, etc. between the worker and the employee, an audit trail is created, so such disputes can be resolved quickly and easily without wasting too much time;

*An easily acquired solution for all parties involved:  The contract which comes with this mobile product is designed to be just like a normal Cell Phone contract, so there are really no surprises or new gimmicks to be dealt with by either party (the worker and the employer);

*The mobile device reflects the latest in Healthcare Rules and Regulations:  Once a worker visits a particular place, they are required to sign in with the mobile device, and the signing in process also includes acknowledgement of the Healthcare Rules and Regulations of that particular location. 

For example:  “Simeio aids Health and Safety compliance as the signing-in process includes verified acceptance of the site specific regulations. If a site’s rules change, the handset can be instantly updated via the secure Simeio web portal immediately prompting personnel to accept revised requirements upon sign-in . . . Customisable instant text and email notifications can alert managers to the absence of first aid staff on site and late sign-in or early sign-out by staff.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=263845&arttitle=Simeio%20mobile%20biometric%20handset%20verifies%20identity%20and%20location). 

Another key advantage in this regard is that with this electronic method of acknowledgement, the paperwork is also greatly reduced.

*Worker productivity is greatly enhanced:  Since this entire system is based on the mobile device and there is an electronic audit trail, the chances of fraud or deception on part of the worker is greatly reduced;

*The mobile device is durable:  There is no extra installation required for the mobile device, can tolerate the harshest environments where there is a lot of external contaminants such as water and other types of air pollutants, and in cases where the mobile coverage gets dropped (as I am sure we are all famliar with), the mobile device can synchronize its most recent worker information and data to the server (whoever owns it) once coverage is established.

I have seen mobile devices like these before with the exact same type of functionalities as described in this Posting, but this is the first time I have seen Biometrics being implemented.  Although Fingerprint Recognition is a great Biometric to be utilized for such a system, I wonder if something like Voice Recognition could prove to be better.

For example, every time you log in, you have to Verify yourself with your Fingerprint, which can mean precious seconds or minutes or lost for the extremely mobile employee.  But with Voice Recognition, all the mobile employee has to do is just dial in and speak, and they will be automatically Verified into the system.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.biometricnewsportal.com/biometrics_news3.asp?articleid=263845&arttitle=Simeio%20mobile%20biometric%20handset%20verifies%20identity%20and%20location

The Entire Fingerprint

A New Method

There is no doubt that Fingerprint Recognition is probably the most noticeable Biometric Technology available today, and when the term “Biometrics” is conjured up, the Fingerprint is always the first to come to mind.

I have written about Fingerprint Recognition before many a time on various Postings.  Essentially, it works by having the sensor on the Fingerprint Scanner collect an image of the Fingerprint, and from there, examining what is known as the “minutae”, or the breaks and discontinuities on the whorls, ridges, and valleys.  These are the unique features which are captured, then converted into a mathematical file, and subsequently stored in the database. 

A question I often get asked is:  “What if there are cuts or bruises on my Fingerprint, will the Fingerprint Scanner still be able to work?”  I answer yes, because Biometric Technology has advanced to the point where these external variables can be taken into consideration, and are factored into the Enrollment and Verification Processes.

Well, it seems like that at the University of Warwick based out of the United Kingdom, researchers have developed another scientific method in which to overcome these external variables of bruises, cuts, abrasions, etc. located on the Fingerprint. 

Traditional Fingerprint Scanners look only at certain parts of the Fingerprint where the minutae are located, but with this new scientific approach, it is claimed that the entire Fingerprint image is collected and examined, and is literally “unwarped” to allow for the quick matching of Biometric Templates for Verification and/or Identification of an individual. 

Here are the details:  “The University of Warwick researchers consider the entire detailed pattern of each print and transform the topological pattern into a standard co-ordinate system. This allows the researchers to "unwarp" any finger print that has been distorted by smudging, uneven pressure, or other distortion and create a clear digital representation of the fingerprint that can then be mapped on to an "image space" of all other finger prints held on a database . . . any new print scanned by the system is unwarped and over laid onto a virtual "image space" that includes all the fingerprints available to the database.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093731.htm).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

Apparently, this new scientific method has received a very warm reception, and is being used in the construction industry at various sites and locations, where the Fingerprints of the construction workers can become quite distorted because of the environment they work in.

Also, this new scientific approach in Fingerprint Recognition, has stood up to the test of some of the most stringent Fingerprint Testing Organizations, which include the National Physical Laboratory (also located in the United Kingdom), and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (also known as “NIST”).  It is even claimed that the individual sweat pores can be examined in detail as well.

Traditionally, Biometric Vendors are pretty tight lipped about the exact ways in which their specific technology works, or the mathematical algorithms they employ for the Verification and Enrollment processes.  This is very understandable, as this is their bread and butter which they survive upon. 

This is probably one of the very few times I have seen such an open release into the scientific methods of a new discovery in Fingerprint Recognition.  Actually, I think it is good that from time to time, such information is made available. 

I am not saying I support being completely open about all of the details, as this would destroy the profit motive of the Biometric Vendors, as they try to adopt this new scientific approach.  After all, we do live in a capitalisitic and free market society.

But openly discussing about some of the general features of a new Biometric Technology or some of the newer scientific approaches and/or methods being examined or discovered would certainly go a long way into the public acceptance area of Biometrics, and help to dispel the “Black Box” Phenomenon which is associated with Biometrics.

With this more open approach, the public will come to see that Biometrics, is just another Security Technology, and just like all other Security Technologies, it has its advantages and flaws, and should not be the only tool used in fortifying the Security of a place of business or organization.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093731.htm

Being Counted As An Individual

A Shining Moment For A Country

A Biometrics/Security Vendor known as “SAFE ID Solutions” has just announced that it has completed the Passport Infrastructure for the Ministry of Iraq.

Here are the details:  “The Ministry of Interior of Iraq awarded SAFE ID Solutions to design and implement a state-of-the-art passport solution. As sole contractor SAFE ID provides the entire solution including hardware, personalization management software, operator training as well as service and maintenance for the Iraqi personalization center that opened in April 2009. The project emphasizes the security of the document and people’s identities as well as the implementation of a scalable and adaptable system. That enables the Iraq Passport Department to operate the personalization system independently and increases the personalization capacity to more than 10.000 passports per day . . . After successful factory acceptance test the system was shipped to Baghdad in December 2008 where the setup, training and joint operation was conducted within the first quarter of 2009.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7455/).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

Apparently, this Passport Infrastructure was completed on time, and has received a complete satisfaction rating, which is certainly good news, given what is transpiring in Iraq.  Other countries have evaluated and tested this system as well.

As a result, the people of Iraq can now apply for a Passport in a much more expeditious and efficient manner, in an infrastructure which has now come up to International Security Standards, which is truly remarkable, once again, given the extremely volatile and high Security Risk situation in Iraq. 

A major factor cited for the smooth deployment and implementation of this Passport Infrastructure was the strong support and clear lines of communications between the Ministry of Interior of Iraq and the Vendor.

Imagine that . . . clear lines of communication, meeting the needs of the people, and a quick acceptance rate by the public?!?!?!?!?!  Hmm, these themes sound awfully familiar . . . .

Ever since the United States invasion of Iraq in 2003, we have seen many ups and downs in that country in these last few years.  Unfortunately, there have been many more negatives occurring than positives, given your political views and values system.  Probably the worst nightmare for the people and the Government of Iraq has been the extremely weak Security Infrastructure.

But, this development, in my view, is certainly a good (in fact, very positive) news for Iraq, especially its citizens.  Why do I say this??? Well, probably for the first time in recorded history, the people of Iraq can now be counted as distinct members of a society, and being recognized as such by the rest of the world. 

In other words, one of the most fundamental rights a citizen can have is to be recognized as an individual, and today, with the completion of this Passport Infrastructure, we are seeing the birth of that in a place still marked by political strife and complete chaos.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7455/

The New Buzzword: Integration

A Milestone In Fingerprint Recognition

A Biometrics/Security Vendor known as “AuthenTec, Inc.” has just announced that it has shipped its 50,000,000^th Fingerprint Sensor to a major customer.

Here are the details:  “AuthenTec (NASDAQ: AUTH), the world’s leading provider of smart fingerprint sensors and solutions, today announced the shipment of its 50 millionth fingerprint sensor, establishing a new record for the fingerprint sensor market. Founded in October 1998, AuthenTec established a previous industry benchmark of 25 million sensors in November 2007 and took less than two years to double that mark to 50 million. AuthenTec’s 50 millionth sensor was shipped to Fujitsu Limited for integration into its newest smart phone, where it will be used for touch-powered features including security, navigation, personalization and convenience.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7451/).

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

Back when Biometrics was just entering the marketplace, and was slowly starting to make news and being scrutinized the public, the trend appeared to be that each Biometric Vendor would develop its technology for just a very specific purpose, or for a component for an overall solution.  For example, when the Hand Geometry Scanner came out decades ago, it served two very specific and primary markets:  Physical Access Entry, and Time and Attendance.

The customer would often be left to do the software development on their own, or if they needed to have a very specific and customized Biometric Solution, the customer would have to depend on various types of Biometric Vendors to fill each part of the bill of materials for the overall aim of the Biometric Solution.

But today, as the various Biometric Technologies and Information Technology are converging together into a single, one stop shop platform for the customer, the key word now in the industry is, in my view, “Integration”.  This is best exemplified by the Cell Phone.  When it first came out, its primary function was just for two way communication.  Now we see it for every part of our social, professional, and consumer type of lifestyles.

We are now seeing this trend in Biometrics, especially with the advent of the new Operating System, known as Windows 7.  I have already written a couple of recent Postings about this recently, especially with the Biometric Vendors now all coming on board to build and create solutions for the Windows Biometric Framework, which is introduced in Windows 7.

It seems like the word “Integration” is now being used very seriously.  We are witnessing Biometric Technologies not just for a specific market or a specific component, but rather it is now being integrated into the every day life of the average consumer into the products they use for their personal life or work life. 

For example, this ranges from such things as Identity Management Tools, Security for conducting online transactions of all kinds, types and sorts, uses in laptops, personal computers and smartphones, energy savings, use in social networking sites like Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, You Tube, etc.

I have seen and heard a lot of fancy corporate and technology buzzwords in my time with no solid substance behind it, but “Integration” seems to be getting a solid footprint with no froth on the top, in my opinion.  Let’s see if this continues well into the future, or it will just be another fancy word which phases out in time, like “dot-com”.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7451/