Biometrics moves to the mainstream

Jan 1, 1999 12:00 PM, TINA D'AVERSA-WILLIAMS

Biometric technologies have advanced rapidly during the last few years. Large technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Compaq are now active biometrics players, helping make biometric technology affordable.Biometric devices automatically identify an individual by unique physical characteristics, including face, iris, hand, fingerprint and voice. Biometric products are used in environments such as border control, information security, physical access control, financial transactions, time and attendance, law enforcement, and other civil and government applications.

The global biometrics industry comprises small companies, small commercial biometrics divisions within larger technology organizations, private inventors, and government and academic departments involved in new research. North America is the most dynamic geographical region, both in terms of the number of biometrics vendors and in implementing biometric technology. Vendors also are concentrated in Europe and Asia.

Biometric applications have been implemented throughout the world, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, parts of Africa and the Asia/Pacific region. Underdeveloped countries are often more accessible, and, for systems integrators, problematic legacy systems are less common.Computer security offers the best opportunity for entering the mainstream, and 1999 and the new millennium should bring an explosion in market penetration.Other industries using biometrics include government, immigration, universities, financial industry, municipalities, and computer and information security. Uses include access control, identification, debit cards, credit cards, voter registration and drivers licenses.

We use biometric technology when cashing a check, getting a driver's license, or entering a corporate office or health club. But the image of Big Brother still plagues the biometrics industry, and the privacy issue still has the potential to jeopardize its future economic prosperity. Fears about Big Brother can be dispelled if end-users are educated about the workings and purpose of biometric systems. The industry can protect its future by engaging in dialogue with the people who interact with the technology.Interface standards

Application programming interfaces (APIs) for biometrics were a hot topic in 1998. Generic APIs have evolved as a means of dealing with "lock-in," whereby users are tied to specific biometric systems with proprietary APIs. A generic API provides a standard interface, allowing users to replace a biometric system without having to completely rewrite an application.Generic APIs also make it easier to introduce more than one biometric technology or system to an application, which strengthens security. New and upgraded technologies can be incorporated with ease. The result is a more open and competitive market.

Toward the end of 1997, IBM and the National Registry (now known as Saflink Corp.) developed APIs, giving credence to the standards movement. A few months later, following the emergence of a third API from I/O Software, a consortium of companies unveiled the BioAPI initiative, a plan to develop a generic API and bring all APIs under a single roof, according to the International Computer Security Association (ICSA).

The BioAPI consortium has six founding members - Compaq, IBM, Identicator, Microsoft, Miros and Novell. In late September, nine additional BioAPI contributors were announced: biometric software developer I/O Software; IriScan, an iris recognition vendor; hand geometry company Recognition Systems; Saflink Corp., another software developer; the U.S. National Security Agency; the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST); fingerprint company Printrak International; Siemens AG of Germany; and Unisys Corp.In 1998, many biometrics companies were forced to step back and consider how the new API affected their products. In 1999, companies will have to rewrite their product offerings to comply with the new API, according to ICSA. While this is a time-consuming process, it will give biometrics players a competitive edge as more users require API compatibility. Indeed, the advent of an industry-wide generic API will make users less likely to adopt a "wait-and-see" attitude toward biometrics.

A voice for the industryIn 1998 the growth of the biometrics industry was evidenced by the founding of the International Biometric Industry Association (IBIA). The IBIA is open to all biometrics manufacturers, integrators and end-users who agree to honor a code of ethics that recognizes the protection of personal privacy as a fundamental obligation of the biometrics industry.Founding members include Recognition Systems Inc., Campbell, Calif.; Visionics Inc., Jersey City, N.J.; Identicator, San Bruno, Calif.; and IriScan, Marlton, N.J. With the addition of Integrated Visions, I/O Software, PenOp and Sensar Dec. 15, the association expanded to 15 charter members.IBIA has been active since its formation in September 1998.The association assembled a globally recognized group of experts to advise its members on major public policy and technical issues. The independent committee will provide an external perspective on key issues.The management staff will register as lobbyists for the association. Official notices were filed with the Congress of the United States effective, Dec. 1, 1998. The action ensures IBIA compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) of 1995, which requires filings by individuals or corporations who make lobbying contacts with senior government officials on behalf of organizations."To be effective as a trade association, we need to establish a dialogue with the administration and Congress, and do so in full compliance with the law," says Bill Wilson, IBIA chairman.

The performance of biometric technology has been improving, and interest is at an all-time high. As the spotlight intensifies, there has never been a more important time to learn more about this dynamic, evolving technology.The emergence of a standard biometric API will impact applications ranging from financial systems security to computer peripherals to telephone systems. Growth in 1999 will lay the foundation for biometrics in the new millennium.

Biometrics by the numbers470

Number of biometric products produced worldwide.270

Number of organizations involved in biometric research and development or sales and marketing.170Number of products that are still in the research and development stage or have been discontinued.150Number of organizations actively marketing biometric products.60Number of vendors that produce or market two or more commercial biometric products.30

Number of vendors that produce or market three or more commercial biometric products.Offering analysis and commentary on the security industry at large, our goal is to keep readers informed of the market growth and forward move-ment within the industry. The column is written by Tina D'Aversa-Williams, publisher of Access Control & Security Systems Integration, whose background includes work in market research and analysis.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

This month in Access Control

• Opening Up About Door Closers
• An Enterprise Approach
• The Framework For Open Systems
• On A Higher Plane
• More from April's issue