RF IDeas introduces software-free IT convergence solutions for HID iCLASS cards
23 September, 2005
category: Biometrics, Contactless, Health
RF IDeas has introduced what it calls the first contactless smart card solution that is immediately deployable, without the need to develop applications or update existing back-end systems. Designed for HID’s iCLASS contactless smart card, the AIR ID eliminates software by storing keystrokes, user IDs, passwords and other credentials securely on the iCLASS card.
ORLANDO, FL – Enterprises can now converge IT applications with physical security without deploying or developing software using a new family of contactless smart card readers from RF IDeas, Inc. The company introduced its line of intelligent desktop reader/writers, called AIR ID, at the ASIS show, Sept. 12-15, 2005 in Orlando.
AIR ID represents the first contactless smart card solution that is immediately deployable, without the need to develop applications or update existing back-end systems. AIR ID eliminates software by storing keystrokes, user IDs, passwords and other credentials securely on an HID iCLASS contactless smart card. The card’s owner can then use the card for secure login or other applications simply by presenting the contactless card for playback, using an AIR ID Playback reader connected to their desktop or other device. PIN codes are optionally required to unlock the card, protecting against misuse of lost or stolen cards.
“You can think of AIR ID as a highly secure form filler based on contactless smart cards,” said Rick Landuyt, president of RF IDeas, Inc. “Anyone can literally bring these readers in the door, set them up and start using them without touching any of their current software. This really opens up the opportunity for convergence of IT applications on an access control credential.”
Companies invest a great deal of money and time in their employee credentials. These costs include enrollment, deployment, training and printing, as well as the cost of the credential itself. AIR ID is an economical solution allowing users to leverage their existing access control system while upgrading to new IT or security applications such as…
– Medical/Healthcare with HIPAA requirements
– PC/LAN log-on
– IT secure authentication
– Single sign-on
– Authorized access to office equipment
– Time and attendance
– Lighting and HVAC control and billing
– Transit passes
– Guard tour patrol
– Equipment and material check-out
– Digital cash
– Loyalty and membership programs
Using the full capabilities of smart cards and optionally biometrics, AIR ID provides the highest levels of security. When used with HID’s iCLASS cards, the AIR ID offers security features such as RF data encryption and mutual authentication using 64 bit keys for each application area, and optional DES or Triple DES data encryption for the application areas. RF IDeas provides key management for access control and other data, stored in the application area. For IT and other applications, it supports one- and two-factor authentication for Windows, Macintosh, thin-clients, PDAs and other devices. The product line-up includes AIR ID Playback and AIR ID Writer reader/writer models, as well as the AIR ID Card Manager software for setting up applications on contactless smart cards. Anyone can setup IT and other applications with AIR ID by simply entering the appropriate keystrokes and information; no programming is required.
AIR ID readers can read data from cards compliant with the following standards: ISO 15693 – read/write; 2kbits (256Bytes) and 16kbits (2kBytes); ISO 14443, Type A – read only; MIFARE® Standard (serial number); ISO 14443, Type B2 – read/write; 16kbits (2kBytes). The readers support any Windows client operating system with USB or RS-232C serial connections, including Microsoft Windows 98SE/NT/2000/XP. Operating software and applications from Apple Computer, Sun Microsystems, Citrix and others are also supported.
RF IDeas provides consulting and engineering assistance to help clients implement solutions, and a software development kit for AIR ID is available. OEM models that are compact, modular and easily adaptable into various enclosures are also immediately available.
About RF IDeas, Inc.
Arlington Heights, IL-based RF IDeas designs, develops and manufactures proximity and contactless reader solutions that expand building access cards to hundreds of applications. RF IDeas pioneered the use of physical access control credentials for non-door applications such as employee identification, vending and PC access control. A complete line of readers for proximity, vicinity and contactless smart card technologies are available for a wide variety of platforms. For more information, contact RF IDeas at (847)870-1723 or visit the company’s Web site at www.rfideas.com.
