
Fingering the opposition
By Robert Lemos
Published: 29 April 2003 09:29 GMT
AuthenTec, a maker of fingerprint-recognition sensors, announced on Monday that it has signed a deal with Microsoft to integrate software support for biometrics into the Windows operating system.
AuthenTec will create a reference driver that will be the example for other biometric hardware makers to follow in designing their own driver software. In addition, a new application programming interface (API) will allow software to access new hardware features made available through the drivers, said Michael Stephenson, lead product manager for Microsoft's Windows server group.
"We can now make (biometrics) plug-and-play compatible," Stephenson said. "Once the device is plugged in, it will automatically load the driver."
Although fingerprint-recognition security packages are currently available for Microsoft Windows, integrating the common software into the operating system will make such solutions easier to install and offer more features for customers, Stephenson said.
"Our goal is to make it as easy as possible and as secure as possible for our customer to implement this solution," Stephenson said.
Biometrics include any technology for identifying people by physical characteristics. Fingerprint, facial-feature, retina and handprint recognition are all common forms of biometric technology, but for PC sign-on applications, fingerprint recognition is by far the most popular.
AuthenTec will work with Microsoft to develop a driver that will be shipped with the Device Driver Kit (DDK) to other hardware makers as an example of how to code the driver.
"This collaborative effort will accelerate the acceptance and application of biometrics in computing," Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec, said in a statement.
Robert Lemos writes for News.com
You will be responsible for the following - - low-level system programming - embedded software development linux systems programming - operating ...
Install, configure, and support the LANs, WANs and Internet systems. The Company - Our Client: Our client is an expanding support and consulting ...
Valid driver's license is required as well as possible flexibility to work late evenings once in a while. Good Morning, My client based in the ...
Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.
Stories from the web...
Copyright © 2008 CBS Interactive Limited. All rights reserved. Top of page
Clive Longbottom Windows 7: Not perfect - but ready for prime time Microsoft's latest OS fixes most of Vista's ills - but still has challenges ahead
Stephen Kleynhans Mind the details with Windows 7 Just because it might work better than Vista, it doesn't mean you can be sloppy