The system authenticates the user by matching the fingerprint to one digitally stored on the SchlumbergerSema smart card.

Since this sensitive data is computed directly on the card without the need to rely on the availability or speed of a network for validation, the risk of the information being compromised is substantially eliminated. Authentication is directly accessed through the card's API, improving the performance and allowing other card applications to easily use the function.

"The Product of the Year award is meant to recognize the innovation and outstanding development efforts of companies involved in the growth of the biometric industry. We believe the products honored are indicative of the promise this market has to offer," said Laura Guevin, editorial director, BiometriTech™

The SchlumbergerSema Cyberflex Access smart cards were the first Visa Open Platform JavaCard™ 2.1 smart cards with cryptographic capabilities to make the Precise Biometrics' Match-on-Card™ application possible in 2002, and the company is now the first to put this capability into the application-programming interface (API).

"Through the use of smart cards combined with a biometric ID system, cardholder identity can be verified more securely in both the physical and digital worlds," stated Paul Beverly, vice president of smart cards and terminals, SchlumbergerSema, North America.

"We are proud to accept this award and we will continue to deliver security products that reinforces our position as the technology leader in advanced multi-application smart cards."