STICKY FINGERS 04/10/2004

Biometric fingerprint detection isn’t exactly new, we’ve been keeping check on the light-fingered fraternity in society since biblical times. However, the advent of the computer age means that we can now use it to log onto laptops a lot quicker, as well as more effectively.

IBM may not be the first company to use Biometrics on its laptops - in recent years, Samsung has offered the feature on a number of models - but it has introduced its first laptop to feature built-in fingerprint identification. The fingerprint reader is built into select models of the ThinkPad T42. With the new reader, located on the wrist rest below the arrow keys, users swipe their finger across a small, horizontally oriented sensor to log-on to their systems, software applications, web sites, or databases.

The mini-fingerprint reader works in conjunction with IBM’s already strong portfolio of security technologies, including the Embedded Security Subsystem, which is a suite of tools that make ThinkPad notebooks easier to protect and support.

Additionally, IBM and Utimaco Safeware today announced that IBM is authorised to resell Utimaco software to give users the ability to fully encrypt their entire hard drive. This protects against unauthorised access, should a notebook get stolen or lost. Utimaco Safeguard Easy is the first full drive-encryption product tested for full compatibility with IBM Rescue and Recovery, a ThinkVantage Technology that can automatically archive and restore an entire hard drive to protect against data loss.

The ThinkPad T42 notebook will be available on October 19 through select business partners. Prices for ThinkPad T42 models with a fingerprint reader start at £1300 (ex. VAT).

Contact:
www.ibm.com/uk