Starting this week, South African driver`s licenses will be processed and produced at the new Driver`s License Bureau building situated on the Ariel Technologies premises (the old Denel Infoplan compound) at the Prodiba building in Pretoria.
Engineering and Technology Concepts` (ETC), a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, was appointed to secure the building with its System 42 Access control hardware and software systems. This system will ensure that the current number of fraudulent driver`s licenses are reduced and eventually eradicated.
The aim of the system is to secure external and internal perimeters through the use of physical structures like doors and turnstiles, and to allow access only to authorised personnel.
"Understanding that security for this complex had to be impenetrable, we chose to use the System 42 Microsoft Windows NT/SQL Server access control system. Not only does it leverage the security principles of Microsoft Windows NT itself, but it adds its own top-end client/server functionality as well;" said Mark Schorn, member managing at ETC South Africa.
The System 42 product has been designed around a full client/server architecture, with all client-sensitive data residing only on the server. While Microsoft NT Workstation with the relevant NT and user security levels can modify this data, the threat of external network interference and manipulation of the secure data is eliminated.
The additional modules installed at the new Driver`s License building includes: staff imaging, electronic visitor control, escorted access and advanced access point interlocking. The staff imaging module involves all permanent staff having their photographs taken and stored in the system.
The electronic visitor control module, a Microsoft Windows 95 client, allows security-cleared visitors into the facility. Visitors must swipe their badges before their host to validate the transaction, and only when the system has checked both the visitor and host`s clearance, will access be allowed. Exit from any facility point is similarly controlled.
The advanced access point interlocking module, on the other hand, ensures that when certain access points are open, others must be closed. In reverse, no interlocked point can be opened unless others are closed.
"Locally, ETC is one of the countries` leading Microsoft Certified Solution Provider that produces world leading and cutting-edge access control systems. They were able to exploit to the full, Microsoft family of products to ensure the highest security installation" said Albie Bester, solution provider programme manager at Microsoft South Africa.
"The System 42 access control system had to use a platform which could provide full and professional integration of the security data using industry-recognised tools. Microsoft Windows NT Server and SQL Server were natural choices for that technology platform. Stability, integrity, networking and overall capability were all indicative of the desired solution, and the Microsoft Windows NT platform`s wide acceptance in the new Driver`s License building`s environment was also a major factor"; added Schorn.
Share