Fujitsu launches next-generation palm vein biometric authentication device
15 March, 2006
category: Biometrics, Health
Fujitsu has released a new smaller and faster version of its palm vein scanner. The scanner, which won several awards in its first iteration, now providers a faster authentication rate about half the time of the original model, and is now about one-fourth the size of its predecessor, meaning greater flexibility and ease of implementation in applications ranging from ATMs and room access security systems, to PC login systems.
SUNNYVALE, Calif.– Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc., one of the world’s leading suppliers of innovative computer products including hard disk drives, peripherals and biometric security solutions, announced the global launch of its new compact and higher performance PalmSecure biometric authentication device. Leveraging the dynamic capabilities of the original model, this second generation product boasts a smaller form factor and a significant increase in the authentication speed, as well as other enhanced features.
The award-winning Fujitsu PalmSecure has earned considerable acclaim since it was first launched in the North American market in June 2005, including the 2005 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award for Network Security and the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) “Best of Innovations” Award for Biometrics. Among the highly touted features PalmSecure offers are: high authentication accuracy; ease-of-use and application versatility; high level of security and reliability, since palm veins are internal to the body and thus extremely difficult to forge; and strong level of user acceptance due to the contactless, non-invasive scanning process.
The next generation product improves upon this by introducing a dramatically faster authentication rate, with verification time reduced to about half the time of the original model. And with its compact size of 35mm x 35mm, the new Fujitsu PalmSecure is now roughly one-fourth the size of its predecessor. This smaller form factor will provide greater flexibility and ease of implementation in applications ranging from ATMs and room access security systems, to PC login systems and other solutions that will require highly secure authentication.
“With the introduction of PalmSecure, Fujitsu demonstrated its leadership in high-end biometric authentication, and with this announcement we’ve proven that we will continue to set the standard for innovation while addressing the needs of our customers,” said Joel Hagberg, vice president, marketing and business development, Fujitsu Computer Products of America. “We firmly believe that palm vein authentication will become the de facto standard for advanced biometric security worldwide, and we’re aiming to capture a significant share of the expanding global market with this product.”
Deployment of Fujitsu PalmSecure is widespread in Japan, with more than 10,000 sensors already installed in banks, universities, hospitals, and at private condominiums. Acceptance of PalmSecure is expected in a variety of industries in the U.S., with early adoption anticipated in the healthcare sector. Due to its high degree of accuracy, PalmSecure is well-positioned to become a key component in installations that help medical professionals comply with the security and privacy regulations established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Fujitsu also expects significant adoption in financial markets, the government sector, and other industries that deal in highly sensitive information.
The new Fujitsu PalmSecure can be connected directly to the USB port of a notebook PC, or embedded into desktop PC keyboards. For developers, the sensor will also be bundled with a comprehensive Software Development Kit (SDK), which will include sample applications and authentication performance measurements. The latest Fujitsu PalmSecure product offering will be available by the end of June 2006.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that open up infinite possibilities for its customers’ success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$44.5 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. For more information, see: www.fujitsu.com.
About Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.
Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. conducts engineering and marketing activities in Sunnyvale, CA and sales operations throughout the United States. Fujitsu Computer Products of America currently offers products and services including scanners and scanner maintenance, hard disk drives, Magneto-Optical drives, palm vein recognition technology and 10Gb Ethernet switches. Fujitsu Computer Products of America is located at 1255 East Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085. For more information about Fujitsu products and services, call us at 800-626-4686 or 408-746-7000. For more information, see www.fcpa.fujitsu.com.
