SecuGen: Windows login in a finger-SNAP

SNAP uses 500 dpi fingerprint biometrics, which, unlike passwords, cannot be lost or forgotten and require unusual effort to steal. The SNAP server component is a biometric authentication module that integrates with Windows NT, 2000 and 2003 server platforms and supports Active Directory.

The SNAP client component works with any of the SecuGen fingerprint peripherals (the Hamster, keyboard and mouse optical scanners) and provides Windows logon, session unlock, and fingerprint profile enrollment and management. The company said it takes only minutes to install the software and enroll a fingerprint profile, which associates a user's fingerprint information with his or her standard Windows account. A user can enroll multiple fingerprints in one account or use different fingerprints for different accounts.

The SNAP Manager lets the administrator manage all the profiles in a system, view log files and change system settings. The server software installs on the Microsoft Network Primary Domain Controller.

SNAP joins a family of SecuGen biometric products including SecuDesktop2000, which provides local Windows logon plus other functions.

SNAP is sold as a starter pack of one server plus client licenses. The smallest starter pack includes 20 licenses and retails for $710. Further clients can be added: a single add-on client license retails for $37, with discounts at higher volumes.