DigitalPersona unveils server-based authentication software for the network 7 August, 2007 By Liam Lahey

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The server-based, centrally managed software includes compatibility for the Microsoft Vista operating system and the Internet Explorer 7 Web browser.

Redwood City, Calif.-based DigitalPersona specializes in offering biometric authentication solutions for enterprise networks and commercial applications. The decade old company boasts about 90 million users worldwide to date.

Amr Assal, senior product marketing manager for DigitalPersona, stated that fingerprint authentication provides the best balance of security at a lesser cost and greater convenience to passwords or other options.

Pro 4.2 includes support for Vista and Internet Explorer 7, and it features two add-on updated applications -- One Touch Crypto (users could encrypt and decrypt files and folders with a fingerprint) and One Touch Cryptographic Service Provider (provides users the ability to electronically sign a document or e-mail using fingerprint authentication).

He said the solution improves overall network security, reduces IT support costs, and it assists in meeting regulatory compliance.

"This has become increasingly important to our customers . . . even small businesses are concerned about compliance regulations. Compliance is the first thing that comes to their minds when considering purchasing technology," he said. "DigitalPersona Pro 4.2 adds a much needed element of convenience and ease-of-use to one of Vista's main security features, specifically, User Account Control.

"Furthermore, One Touch CSP 4.2 enhances the security and non-repudiation of digital signing and certificates by means of fingerprint authentication."

Assal also said DigitalPersona intends to intensify its focus on channel partners. The company recently hired a new channel marketing manager and he said plans are abound to introduce a new channel program in the coming months.

The company also recently released an upgraded version of its One Touch I.D. SDK (software development kit) that now extends the functionality of the DigitalPersona Gold, Gold CE and Platinum SDKs by giving developers the ability to identify people on a large scale by connecting the fingerprint to a user's authentication and personal information.

DigitalPersona Pro Workstation or Pro Kiosk 4.2 client software is priced at $60 (U.S.). It includes DigitalPersona's One Touch applications (One Touch SignOn, One Touch Internet, and One Touch Lock and Unlock). The DigitalPersona Pro Workstation or Pro Kiosk Reader package (software and DigitalPersona U.are.U Fingerprint Reader) is priced at $149. The DigitalPersona Pro Workstation or Pro Kiosk Keyboard package (software and DigitalPersona U.are.U Fingerprint Keyboard) is priced at $169.

DigitalPersona Pro Server software (version 4.1), priced at $1,499, installs on Microsoft Windows domain controllers and uses Windows Active Directory to provide a manageable, scalable and reliable enterprise solution, the company said.

DigitalPersona One Touch Crypto 4.2 is priced separately at $15 per user; One Touch CSP 4.2 is priced at $30 per user.