Biz backs biometrics.(BUSINESS STORY)(the expanding use of biometrics by bussiness enterprizes)

Security industry reporters have been writing about "this is the year of biometrics" for about 15 years. But, according to Security Magazine research and experts in the field, biometrics may finally have emerged--or not.

For example, the silicon chip fingerprint sensor market, swipe and area sensors, lies in applications different to those of optical sensors. The last 12 months have seen a flurry of activity in this market. It is believed that silicon chip sensors have finally come of age. Silicon fingerprint participants have carved their niche in wireless applications and are making considerable in-roads in the network security application. Demand has predominantly been for swipe sensors in fingerprint-enabled cell phones, laptops and notebooks. Frost & Sullivan, the international research firm, believes growth lies with swipe sensors.

This includes the integration of sensors in silicon fingerprint-enabled cell phones for the wireless market and for laptops and notebooks in the PC/network security market. In the physical access control market, fingerprint-enabled door locks are expected to have an impact. The initial offering of silicon fingerprint sensors has been positioned as a convenience solution both in the wireless and network security markets. It is expected that phase two will result in application focused security solutions.

DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS

Within wireless and network security, price, size and durability are key priorities. However,…