APC's Biometric Password Manager is a PC device that allows users to store user names and passwords for their system login and Web sites and retrieve them to be filled in automatically by scanning their fingerprints. The devices are offered in three formats: A USB pod, a mouse, and the latest entry in the product family, a PCMCIA card.

Based on AuthenTec TruePrint fingerprint scanners and utilizing OmniPass software, the devices provide an enrollment process wherein the user provides their O/S user, domain, and password information and then scans the fingerprint(s) that they wish to associate with that login. From then on, they can then login to their Windows PC by scanning their fingerprint when the Windows Login prompt appears (note that the user can still login by providing the user name and password directly, however; the fingerprint is not a required part of the login process). Up to 20 different fingerprints can be enrolled in each device.

Once enrolled to the device, the user can additionally store further usernames and passwords to be associated with this fingerprint as they visit such password protected sites or applications. According to the vendor, each user can store an unlimited number of such usernames and passwords, again with the OmniPass software providing the information automatically as needed.

According to the vendor, the device's TruePrint technology utilizes "beneath the skin" technnology to allow for the accurate recognition of a person's print even if the skin is dry, calloused, oily, etc. Additional features include one touch file or folder (but not O/S system folders) encryption, and--for Windows XP users only--fast user switching where a person's personal configuration and passwords can be recognized and selected with just a fingerprint scan.

The devices are available as a USB pod, a mouse with a built-in fingerprint scanner, and a PCMCIA card. The PCMCIA card, in particular, hides the fingerprint sensor within the card itself; it can be ejected by pressing lightly inwardly on the edge of the card.

The USB pod carries a price of $49.99; the mouse a price of $59.99; and the PCMCIA card a price of $149.99. All are available now.

Contact American Power Conversion for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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