Regional interest in the potential of biometric technology is rising, as both organisations and consumers alike look for more comprehensive security and enhanced identity protection, according to one of the pioneers in this advanced field.
Biometric electronic identity solutions – which are used to automatically identify or verify someone’s identity based on physical or behaviour characteristics – are increasingly in demand across a broad range of industries.
Interest is so high in the field that LogicaCMG is establishing full-time knowledge resources around electronic identity at its Middle East offices, including expertise on facial recognition technology, and “multi-modal” biometrics with its product Biofuse™ , which analyses a range of characteristics to identify an individual.
The number of pilot and initial implementations of biometric technology in the Middle East has increased in recent months, with biometric processes being incorporated into national identity schemes, border controls and airport immigration gates.
However, the number of potential applications for the new technology goes even further, according to Tim Best, director of Global Identity Solutions, LogicaCMG.
“Biometric technology can play a key role in providing physical access to buildings and vehicles to legitimate users, offering remote identification for people shopping online and even protecting the users of automated teller machines. We’re encountering strong demand from organisations in the Middle East because of the potential for biometrics to reduce identity theft and ensure accurate verification,” said Best.
Companies that invest in the new generation of technology could even find that customers trust their brand and services more.
Consumer research commissioned by LogicaCMG and conducted by independent research company Vanson Bourne in 2006 revealed that the introduction of biometrics could lead to much greater consumer confidence when switching between different bank accounts and other financial products, for example.
The research found that on average, 57% of people would be more likely to change their current account provider if all it took was an identity card and fingerprint to establish and prove identity.
About LogicaCMG
LogicaCMG is a major international force in IT and business services. It employs around 40,000 people across 41 countries. LogicaCMG’s focus is on enabling its customers to build and maintain leadership positions using LogicaCMG’s deep industry knowledge and its track record for successful delivery. The company provides business consulting, systems integration and IT and business process outsourcing across diverse markets including telecoms and media, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. Headquartered in Europe, LogicaCMG is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext (Amsterdam) (LSE:LOG; Euronext:LOG) and traded on the Xternal List of the Nordic Exchange in Stockholm. More information is available at www.logicacmg.com
