Comdex Spring: Smart badge offers security alternative

RF Ideas has developed an alternative to the password protected screen saver using smart badges.

When a user moves away from a desktop, the system detects this, blocks the keyboard and blanks the screen. When the user returns, the system automatically returns to normal operation.

The technology requires the user to wear a special badge with a built-in microprocessor. A transceiver is plugged into the PC?s serial port, allowing the machine to detect the presence of the user.

RF Ideas claims its approach is safer than password protected screen savers, and can also save on support costs as users have one fewer password to forget. And, unlike other types of electronic identification, including Smartcards and fingerprint recognition, the badge allows the identification to be totally automatic, without user interaction.

A user who is not wearing a badge can still optionally regain access to the system with a password.

AIR ID 1.0 from RF Ideas is now available for Windows 95 and Windows NT. All necessary hardware and software for one single user, including the badge and the transceiver, will be sold for $295. Additional ID badges are $155. The product should hit Europe in the coming month.

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