Daon Announces Biometric Authentication And Log-On Capability For The Microsoft Windows Operating System; Biometric Authentication Eliminates Need for PINs and Passwords.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2002

Daon, a developer of secure biometric identity management and authentication solutions (www.daon.com), today announced the release of Daon for Windows, a biometric authentication solution for the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) operating system.

Enterprises can now prevent fraudulent access to PCs and company networks by introducing secure biometric authentication capabilities to the desktop environment.

Daon for Windows(R) supports the Windows XP, NT(R) and 2000 operating systems to allow companies of all sizes to reduce fraud, increase operational efficiencies and increase security across the organization. The product eliminates the need for ineffective personal identity numbers (PINs) and passwords, replacing them with highly secure one-time tokens based on biometric imprints. Using biometrics instead of passwords offers a significantly higher level of security as more than half of enterprise users currently share PINs and passwords, according to Adelphi. Daon for Windows(R) also reinforces accountability with a complete audit trail for all operations, enabling companies to easily run security reports.

Additionally, Daon for the Windows(R) operating system provides users the flexibility to have off line biometric access to Windows(R), enabling the freedom to work remotely and securely outside the centralized network.

"Daon for Windows(R) is a significant release for the company, as it allows us to bring secure biometric authentication solutions to the full scope of the enterprise market," said Oliver Tattan, CEO of Daon. "Enterprises are searching for efficient methods of protecting their employees, data and networks from unauthorized access across multiple security pain points. By utilizing biometric identifiers as the 'gateway' for authorized access, enterprises can ensure the highest level of corporate security to critical internal and external audiences."

Today, Daon's biometric authentication solutions are being deployed at companies across multiple vertical industries, including financial services, travel/transportation, public sector, and pharmaceuticals.

Daon for the Windows(R) operating system integrates seamlessly with Windows(R) domain accounts and does not affect existing user profiles or accessibility. Set-up is done via a Web-based console and allows for bulk enrollment as well as the use of a previously stored biometric. Daon for Windows(R) works in tandem with the DaonEngine, Daon's identity management and authorization platform.

Daon for the Windows(R) operating system is a building block toward using Daon for access to multiple applications within an organization. Connectors for Oracle, Siebel, SAS, Documentum, Tivoli and other systems are ready-made. A comprehensive Connector Development Framework ensures ease of integration with any other COTS or legacy application.

The DaonEngine supports the full life cycle of identity management - from identity enrollment and storage to identity issuance, assertion, authentication and protection - using biometric identifiers to improve enterprise security. Daon for Windows(R) offers users the ability to log-on both on and off-line. Additionally, system administrators are given access to detailed logs that track and report all user activity.

"Using Daon for Windows(R) delivers a clear return on investment. The cost savings relating to the eradication of password management alone will justify the investment. The enhanced security, accountability and convenience significantly enhance the value of Daon for Windows(R) in any organization," concluded Tattan.

About Daon

Daon designs, develops and markets secure authentication solutions. The company's flagship product, the DaonEngine, is the most secure, scalable and high availability (24/7/365) biometric authentication solution in the marketplace today. Designed to address market demands for enhanced security and accountability, DaonEngine offers enterprises a unique and integrated approach to biometric authentication.

Daon's solutions integrate with existing security systems such as PKI, smart cards and other PIN/password based systems to provide a heightened level of security, non-repudiation and a reduced risk of fraud. The DaonEngine forms the central part of a comprehensive biometric identity management solution that manages the full authentication lifecycle including capture, data management, assertion, protection and issuance. In addition, DaonEngine is designed to connect with leading applications including Windows, Siebel and Documentum. Daon partners include IBM, Tivoli, and Documentum

Daon is based in New York City, with facilities in Dublin and London. For more information, please visit www.daon.com or call Maria Di Masi, Euro RSCG Middleberg, [phone]; [e-mail].

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and Daon and its suppliers make no warranties, either express or implied, as to the accuracy of such information or its fitness to be used for your particular purpose. The entire risk of the use of, or the results from the use of, this information remain with the reader.

Products sold or licensed by Daon are covered by the terms of its contractual agreements, license agreements and the warranty and guarantees therein. Daon reserves the right to discontinue production and change specifications and process at any time without notice.

Daon is a registered trademark. All marks contained herein are the property of DAON unless otherwise indicated.

(C) DAON 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For further information please view our website at www.Daon.com

Microsoft, Windows and NT are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Daon for Windows was developed independently by Daon; there is no formal partnership in place.