Siemens’ integrated security solution selected by Howard University
Howard University, Washington, D.C., has selected a security management solution from Siemens that provides for building and computer access on a single card, while also allowing the card to function as a cashless payment vehicle for students and staff. A major plus is that the new system allows the university to control and monitor all campus buildings from a single workstation.
BOCA RATON, Fla.–Howard University has selected Siemens to provide an integrated package of security management solutions that includes state-of-the art identity and access management systems, as well as physical control and monitoring technologies, announced Siemens Communications, Inc., and Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
The integrated security solution, from Siemens, will provide linkage between physical and IT access controls. Siemens is also supporting the converged IT/security system with a comprehensive service package that includes 24/7 maintenance of hardware and software systems as well as system operator training and support.
“The ability to automatically create, manage and suspend user access information is critical in multi-user environments such as hospitals, learning institutions, government agencies and other high-traffic enterprises,” said Benjamin Wells, director of Security Solutions at Siemens Communications, Inc. “The strategy behind the convergence of IT and security technologies is to drive down costs while dramatically improving security.”
Siemens’ integrated security solution for physical, identity and access management includes:
– HiPath(TM) SIcurity(R) smart cards that control security privileges for buildings, rooms, IT infrastructures and critical applications. Smart cards may also function as cashless payment cards for students and staff.
– Building control and monitoring with Siemens SiPass(TM) Access Control Management system. The system makes it possible for the university to control and monitor all campus buildings from a single workstation. The total security system includes digital video recorders, closed circuit television monitors, emergency-phone equipped duress stations and “smart card” readers at critical access points throughout the campus.
– Easy management and provisioning – and de-provisioning – of user access privileges with the Siemens DirX(R) portfolio, a meta-directory database solution. Campus administrators now only need to set up individual user profiles once and the DirX solution will provision user information and access rights throughout multiple systems.
“There is considerable value in deploying a converged security solution for logical and physical access,” said Datamonitor Security Analyst Tim Gower. “Through its in-house smart card and security expertise, Siemens is clearly established as a leader in unified identity and access management solutions.”
About Howard University
Howard University is one of 48 U.S. private, doctoral/research-extensive universities and comprises 12 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the university has produced two Rhodes Scholars, a Truman Scholar, six Fulbright Scholars and nine Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D.s than any other university in the world. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.
About Siemens
Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $80.5 billion in fiscal 2003. Founded more than 150 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Automation and Control, Information and Communications, Lighting, Medical, Power and Transportation. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $16.6 billion and employs 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens’ worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 423,000 people in 192 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.
About Siemens Building Technologies
Headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., is one of 14 Siemens operating companies in the United States and is a leading single-source provider of cost-effective facility performance solutions for the comfort, life safety and security of some of the most technically advanced buildings in the world. In North America, Siemens Building Technologies employs 8,500 people and provides service from more than 100 locations.
About Siemens Communications, Inc.
Siemens Communications, Inc., offers its customers a broad portfolio of communication products and services and is a leader in convergent technologies, products and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. The company’s portfolio ranges from devices for end users to complex network infrastructures and complementary services for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Siemens Communications, Inc., is headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com/communications.
