Forwarded From: "Spencer, Will" <wspencer@DMWGroup.com>
Tuesday July 7, 8:41 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Compaq First to Announce State-of-The-Art Security Solution To its
Business Customers For Under $100
Biometrics-Based Technology Greatly Improves Network Security and
Reduces Help Desk Calls
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 1998-- Continuing to deliver the latest
technologies that reduce the cost of managing information technology,
Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ - news) today announced the Compaq
Fingerprint Identification Technology -- the first affordable biometric
security technology offering. This state-of-the-art security product,
compatible with Compaq Deskpro, Armada PCs, and Professional Workstations,
tightens network security, simplifies the login process and reduces the
costs associated with managing large corporate networks. The Fingerprint
Identification Technology is available now in limited quantities for
testing and evaluation. The product is expected to ship worldwide in
August and be priced at $99(1) per node.
``Fingerprint Identification Technology is an outstanding example of
useful innovation and how Compaq responds to customer demands for a
simplified computing experience,'' said Michael Winkler, Senior Vice
President and Group General Manager, Personal Computer Products Group,
Compaq Computer Corporation.
``Linking this very affordable security solution with award-winning
Deskpro PCs will help our commercial customers manage their distributed
computing environment, as well as help them lower the number of calls to
the help desk. We are very excited to be the first PC vendor to deliver
this advanced solution.''
Compaq has also taken a leadership role in driving the industry to
standardize on biometric technologies. In April, Compaq formed the BioAPI
Consortium with Identicator Technology, IBM, Microsoft, Novell and Miros.
The goal of the consortium is to establish industry standards for
biometric-oriented Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and to
incorporate these standards into operating systems. Industry standards
will help ensure compatibility and interchangeability of biometric
hardware and software products.
Tightens Network Security and Reduces Administrative Costs
Fingerprint Identification Technology dramatically improves the security
of Microsoft Windows NT based networks by effectively replacing passwords
with unique fingerprints. Passwords represent potential security risks
because they can be duplicated or stolen, and are frequently posted on a
sticky note attached to a PC monitor. Although tighter security usually
means more work for administrators, Compaq Fingerprint Identification
Technology also reduces network management costs. IT groups regularly
report that up to 50 percent of help desk calls are forgotten or expired
passwords. By virtually eliminating the need for passwords, Fingerprint
Identification Technology reduces the number of calls to IT Help Desks and
lowers network administration costs.
Compaq Fingerprint Identification Technology is designed for enterprise
customers at organizations with a high interest in security, such as
financial institutions, where security of accounts and transactions is
essential, and medical organizations where security risks revolve around
patient data and patented formulas. It also appeals to companies striving
to reduce help desk and desktop management costs.
Fingerprint Identification Technology, jointly developed by Compaq and
Identicator Technology, uses Identicator's innovative DFR-200 reader
technology and its outstanding and proven software algorithm technologies.
Identicator's software has already been successfully implemented by a
large number of its customers, ensuring that this technology is stable and
proven.
The software also builds on the existing Microsoft Windows NT-based domain
authentication infrastructure, ensuring seamless compatibility with
existing environments. Compaq's Fingerprint Identification Technology is
compatible with Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0
operating systems.
The very small Fingerprint Reader can be mounted on the side of a monitor
or Deskpro, freeing up valuable desktop space. It is also compatible with
and complementary to all Smart Card-based security products. The
Fingerprint Reader easily connects to the parallel port and either the
mouse or keyboard port via a power pass-through cable.
-o-
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Received on Mon Jul 13 16:51:36 1998