2007, London, UK security software vendor fingerPIN Ltd is gearing up to sign its first distributors as it announces its official channel launch. The company, which has been operating since June 2006, has been selling via the direct route to the UK market and is now keen to supplement this by establishing a channel quickly. It is due to sign two, as yet unnamed, distributors later this month.

fingerPIN offers OEMs, systems integrators, VARs and distributors logical and physical access solutions using its patented multi-fingerprint sequence technology. The fingerPIN is a biometric fingerprinting technology that increases the complexity of penetrating single fingerprint security methods. It transforms an existing single fingerprint reader into a sophisticated multiple fingerprint reader through a simple software upgrade. Through the fingerPIN the risk of someone fraudulently logging on or accessing a secure area using a third person’s fingerprint data is reduced to 1 in 10,000 trillion1 due to the difficulty of cracking a combination of several unique fingerprints used in a specific sequence.

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A4Vision Inc. today announced that it has won Best Application in the 2007 IP Security Awards for its innovative 3D face biometric technology implementation at a major European bank. The IP Security association (IIPSEC) award recognized the one-of-a-kind access control system installed at the Geneva Headquartered firm that identifies and grants facility access to the 2,100 employees based on a face match and without ID cards, keys or PIN technology. In using only biometric identification, the system eliminates the risk of tokens and keys being lost, stolen or misused.

The IIPSEC Judges Panel concluded, “The European bank implementation of A4Vision technology is an excellent application of an impressive product. It gives the world a look at the future of one of the many ways biometrics will be used not only in financial services but all industries. 3D face recognition is a superior access control technology that can eliminate the use of cards thereby adding convenience and reducing the cost of facility security.”

Adding biometrics, such as 3D face recognition, within an organization’s security infrastructure to verify a person’s identity, ensures that only authorized persons may enter a building through existing entrances.

Grant Evans, A4Vision CEO said, “The recent implementations A4Vision has participated in are clear evidence that the efforts we have made over the past 4 years are driving significant value to the many organizations that are using our technology. Recognition as the best and most innovative IP security application demonstrates the benefits of our system and the future potential of the technology.”

A4Vision’s advanced 3D facial recognition system directs structured, invisible light onto a subject’s face to create a facial grid of 40,000 measurable data points. The system performs multiple facial scans and comparisons against a database of stored images and corresponding data, performing accurate identification at sub-second speeds, from which authorized persons are confirmed for access. A4Vision’s 3D facial readers secure entrance areas of the bank in combination with other security components of the installation.

Fidelica Microsystems, Inc., a pioneering developer of biometrics technology, today announced the availability of the Company’s BCP-3 smart card development platform featuring a fully-embedded biometric system. Fidelica’s platform is the first in the industry that allows fingerprint imaging, enrollment, and authentication to be contained entirely within a standard credit card-sized package. Utilizing the BCP-3, integrators can create a smart card with a radically advanced feature set that works with existing card readers, wireless systems, and other card infrastructure. Biometric security can be added to a system simply by upgrading cards.

Fidelica has already implemented its beta BCP platform in several different configurations, including the DIVAcard biometric ID for URU Technologies, Inc. The DIVAcard will be used for federal government infrastructure security at sensitive sites such as airports and harbors.

“We needed a biometric authentication system that ensures conclusive user ID while protecting user privacy,” said Michael Conforti, President of URU Technologies, Inc. “Fidelica has created an embedded system that allowed us to add biometric identification to our identity credential, bringing security up to today’s requirements, while protecting our customer’s existing investments.”

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Kwikset(R), a leader in the residential security industry, unveils SmartScan, a biometric keyless entry system for the home. Building on the success of the Powerbolt(R), a keyless entry system, Kwikset now takes access control to a new level with the launch of SmartScan. The revolutionary SmartScan technology completely eliminates the need for a key or key code, utilizing only a fingerprint scan. Biometrics is the method of authenticating the identity of a person based on physiological characteristics. The most well-known method is fingerprint identification. Kwikset’s SmartScan is a biometrically accessible deadbolt door lock system that can be applied to internal and external doors in residential applications.

The SmartScan deadbolt is activated simply by swiping a valid fingerprint across its sensor. SmartScan reads sub dermal fingerprint patterns located beneath the outer surface layer of the skin, making it unaffected by dirty or worn fingertips. Programmable with up to 50+ user fingerprints, SmartScan also has a special timed “lock out feature” that allows homeowners three levels of access options. This feature allows continual access (24/7) for family members, temporary access for house sitters or contractors, and time restricted access for babysitters or housekeepers.

“Consumer acceptance of biometric technology is accelerating,” says Eric Lundquist, director of brand marketing for Kwikset. “It is currently available on portable hard drives and IBM ThinkPad computers, as well as in grocery store checkouts, gas stations and automobiles. Biometrics is an emerging technology that can give consumers an increased level of home protection and peace of mind.”

Kwikset’s new SmartScan technology is based on its proven Powerbolt mechanical platform. It can be easily installed on most standard doors and requires no hard wiring. The durable, low power consumption system operates on a battery with a life of one year (based on 20 accesses per day).

Kwikset’s SmartScan is specifically designed as a stylish alternative to the bulky, undistinguished industrial biometric security systems currently available. It delivers a sleek, attractive designer look and feel, with its biometric fingerprint reader stealthily integrated into the overall design. SmartScan is available in a variety of finishes that enhances any decor in any home. The finishes carry a lifetime warranty. SmartScan … it puts security and convenience right at your fingertips.

Kendle, a leading, global full-service clinical research organization, today announced it has received the 2006 Pfizer Development Operations Strategic Supplier Excellence Award. Kendle provides functional clinical data management services to Pfizer in support of Pfizer’s global drug development efforts. This is the inaugural year for the award program from Pfizer’s Development Operations. It is intended to recognize the Functional Service Provider (FSP) from the existing pool of FSPs supporting Pfizer’s Development Operations that has demonstrated consistent performance in the areas of quality, service delivery and reliability, innovation and business processes, customer service and responsiveness. The winning FSP also must demonstrate excellence in at least one of these areas.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized in this way by one of our largest customers,” said Candace Kendle, PharmD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kendle.

Kendle’s Biometrics offerings include clinical data management, biostatistics and scientific programming services. Kendle provides these services for customers worldwide, including many of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical organizations.