WOBURN, Mass. --
Nov. 7, 2000 -- Keyware, the world's leading provider of biometric authentication
solutions, has announced that its Biometric Screensaver is included
in the shipment of every new Sony CMR-PC1 USB notebook camera kit. Keyware's
Biometric Screensaver provides a convenient alternative to PIN or password-based
security. Easy to set up and use for one or more workgroups or family
members, the application unlocks the screensaver by unobtrusively verifying
both the user's facial features and a spoken password. These features
are unique to a person and cannot be duplicated by an impostor, unlike
other means of securing access.
"At Sony, we are constantly seeking to ensure that our products offer
the best features and the highest convenience to our customers,"
says Rudy Cosijns, product marketing manager for displays and
new businesses, Sony. "When developing the CMR-PC1 camera we were
determined that the software suite and accessories should be outstanding,
and that was why we turned to Keyware to supply the Biometric Screensaver."
"This screensaver is all about making the process of securing your
PC simple and convenient," adds Francis Declercq, president
and CEO, Keyware. "Upon returning to their notebook PC, users of
the Sony webcam will simply have to look into the camera and state a
previously recorded password to gain access. Not only does this increase
user convenience, it also helps boost peace of mind. The Biometric Screensaver
ensures that unauthorized third parties cannot view privileged information."
Research firms such as IDC and Cahners Instat Group forecast annual
growth of more than 100% per year for the webcam market. According to
Cahners Instat, several million webcams had already been sold in 1999.
The growth in webcam sales is being fueled by improved technology, increased
Internet bandwidth, lowered hardware costs and a multitude of new applications.
These applications include videoconferencing, network security, remote
location surveillance and access, and the transfer of digital images.
The Sony CMR-PC1 notebook camera kit will be available November 15,
2000.
About Sony
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology
products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its
music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned
to become a leading broadband network company in the 21st century. In
Europe, Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of close to Euro14.42
billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Sony Europe, headquartered
at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for
the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated
sales of close to Euro8.50 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2000. Sony Europe's homepage can be found at http://www.sony-europe.com.
About Sony Computer Peripherals and Components
Sony Computer Peripherals & Components Europe (CPCE), with headquarters
in Weybridge, UK, markets optical and magnetic storage drives and autoloaders,
printers and Trinitron graphics displays both to OEMs and through distributors,
dealers, value-added resellers and systems integrators. A notebook USB
camera, a video microscope and IT security systems based on biometrics
are examples of new additions to the range of new business products
from Sony CPCE.
About
Keyware
Founded in 1996, Keyware is the world's leading provider of a broad
range of authentication solutions for real-world business applications,
and a pioneer in the field of biometrics, the technology of verifying
an individual by means of personal characteristics such as voice, face
and fingerprints. Keyware's LBV - Layered Biometric Verification technology
allows companies to manage multiple authentication techniques, including
biometrics, from one central server. This central authentication server
optimizes security and convenience for physical locations, e-commerce,
network, smart cards and telecommunications applications. Keyware's
award-winning technology is sold globally through an extended network
of OEMs, system integrators and VARs. Co-headquartered in Belgium and
Woburn, Mass., you can find more information about Keyware at http://www.keyware.com.
