The majority of companies across EMEA are considering the introduction of biometric technology to increase workplace security, according to an independent survey commissioned as part of the Hitachi Data Systems 'Storage Index'.
The survey, conducted across Europe, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and SA, finds that 55% of firms say they are considering the introduction of iris scanning and fingerprint recognition systems. This comes amid growing adoption of biometric technology by border control and public sector organisations.
The survey reveals that more than two-thirds of companies (68%) believe that the use of biometrics in office buildings is a justified security measure, while just 39% anticipate staff or customer resistance to the technology. Likewise, relatively few respondents (37%) thought that 'Big Brother' style abuse of biometric information was likely - either by companies or government agencies.
"It seems that attitudes towards biometrics are rapidly improving as the technology becomes more common and people recognise the growing security benefits," says Fanie van Rensburg, MD of local HDS distributor, Shoden Data Systems. "Of course, companies will still need to comply with various privacy and data protection regulations that govern how long personal information can be stored and what it can be used for - which presents a further IT challenge for many."
However, the survey also finds that fewer than one in five biometric technology deployments are expected to be ready for use within the next 12 months. Concerns over possible technical malfunctions and data security breeches suggest that most deployments will be delayed while new IT systems are developed to protect against such risks. Around half of those polled (51%) cited the risk of crimes such as electronic ID theft as a cause of concern for organisations using and storing biometric information. A similar number, 47%, felt that technical malfunctions, such as staff being accidentally locked out of buildings, could be a potential problem area.
"One of the biggest hurdles to faster adoption of biometrics is ensuring that biometric data is stored securely and efficiently, while also ensuring that the system can carry on functioning properly in the event of any part of the IT network going down. This requires companies to put in place effective business continuity processes and to invest in technologies like remote replication and data backup, automated data management and data encryption," he explains. The study also found that the use of biometrics is widely supported for a wide range of government and financial applications. In particular, 80% or respondents agreed that it was justified for border control and government building security, respectively, while 89% said it was warranted within the security services. Almost as many backed the use of biometrics for credit card validation (74%) and ID cards, including driving licences and proof-of-age cards (70%).
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This survey was conducted as part of the latest 'Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index', a six-monthly survey of corporate technology trends across the EMEA (Europe, Middle-East and Africa) region. A total of 840 anonymous, independently-conducted interviews were completed with corporate IT directors in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE and the UK. The Hitachi Data Systems Storage Index is available for download at: http://www.hds.com/press_room/hds_storage_index.html
Shoden Data Systems
With offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, Shoden Data Systems (Pty) Ltd is the sole distributor for Hitachi Data Systems in SA.
Shoden Data Systems also has strategic agreements with CNT - a provider of storage networking solutions, products and services- and is a reseller of Fujitsu Siemens Computers. In addition, the company is a Veritas Premier Partner, providing integrated, managed, best-of-breed storage area network solutions to the marketplace, and also distributes VMware, virtual machine software for Intel-based systems.
Based on more than 200 collective years of experience in the service, support and marketing of Hitachi products, Shoden Data Systems uses its intellectual capital and industry leading products to provide customers with total solutions in the storage, enterprise servers and connectivity arenas.
The following offerings are available:
1. Storage - HDS Freedom storage range, including the enterprise-level Lightning 9900 series & the modular Thunder 9500 series
2. Connectivity - CNT and Brocade
3. Servers - Fujitsu Siemens PrimePower range of servers
Hitachi Data Systems
Hitachi Data Systems leverages global R&D resources to develop storage solutions built on industry-leading technology with the performance, availability and scalability to maximise customers' ROI and minimise their risk. By focusing on the customer's perspective as we apply the best hardware, software and services from Hitachi and our partners, we uniquely satisfy our customers' business needs. With 2 800 employees, Hitachi Data Systems conducts business through direct and indirect channels in the public, government and private sectors in over 170 countries. Its customers include more than 50% of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.hds.com.
Hitachi, Ltd
Hitachi, Ltd (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 326 000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2003 (ended 31 March 2004) consolidated sales totalled 8 632.4 billion yen ($81.4 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors, including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.hitachi.com.
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