Valid Brings SecuGen’s Hamster Into Its Biometric Fold
August 27, 2009 Alex Woodie
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Valid Technologies has cemented a deal with SecuGen to certify its Hamster line of biometric fingerprint readers with the Valid Secure System Authentication (VSSA), its i OS-based user authentication system. Deployed from the rock-solid System i server but accessible from practically any platform, Valid’s VSSA provides a means for bolstering user authentication with the use of biometrics. Traditionally, VSSA installations have relied on fingerprint scanning hardware from APC, which is the undisputed leader in the field. With the partnership with SecuGen, VSSA customers now have another option. Valid’s deal with SecuGen involves the Hamster Plus and Hamster IV fingerprint readers. These are small single-purpose devices that feature an optical fingerprint sensor and connect to a Windows terminal via USB. The Hamster IV is the same as the Hamster Plus, except that the Hamster IV has been certified with FIPS 200/PIV certifications and is listed on the GSA Approved Products List. SecuGen also sells mice and keyboards that feature integrated finger-print scanners, and Valid will also work with them. Valid, which is based in Boca Raton, Florida, also has a technology partnership with AuthenTec covering its line of fingerprint-reading products. APC does not appear to be a certified partner anymore. Pat Botz, the former IBM i OS security expert who was named Valid president last month, says the deal with SecuGen will help extend VSSA into more companies. “Customers of any size can now leverage centrally managed VSSA strong user authentication in time and attendance applications, physical entry, network logons, and legacy applications–virtually everywhere,” he says in a press release. SecuGen, which is based in Santa Clara, California, also expressed optimism about the new deal. “The combination of our products will allow IBM shops to take advantage of the strong authentication that is made possible with world-class fingerprint technology,” SecuGen vice president of sales Jeff Brown said in a press release. RELATED STORIES Valid Tech Names Pat Botz Its President Bank’s Approach to Biometric Authentication a ‘Valid’ One This article has been corrected. Valid will work with other SecuGen products, such as mice and keyboards, not just the Hamster devices. IT Jungle regrets the error.
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