MicrosoftR has acquired I/O Software's Biometric API (BAPI) technology and SecureSuiteR core authentication technology to provide users with a higher level of network security based on a secure and reliable personal authorization method. MicrosoftR intends to have biometrics authentication integrated into next versions of Windows OS. Users of Windows, will benefit from authentication services, secure biometric data storage and a common user interface for biometric-enabled applications. According to Fenn's research, 15% of Fortune 1000 companies will adopt biometric logon for information access purposes (network logon, laptop protection, and so on).

Frost & Sullivan predicts the generated revenues of U.S. User Authentication Device Market will reach $65 billion by 2012. The revenues of biometric technology were $5.4 billion in 2006. With the price reduction of peripheral units, the biometric market is poised for a breakthrough to meet the expected growth in 3 years. The estimated biometric revenues will reach 46 billion by 2010. Comparison of biometric devices, price of camera is lower than that of finger scanner, the prevalence of face recognition will be more optimistic than that of fingerprint and voice recognition.

The integration of SecureSuiteR and FaceOn? allow PC users to log on to their computers and conduct secure e-commerce transactions using face recognition instead of a password. By combining their technologies, Symtron and I/O Software have given users another convenient choice of authentication alternatives to passwords. With FaceOn? and SecureSuiteR technologies, users of Windows will benefit from a higher level of security and authentication services and a much more personal and comfortable authentication process.

''The technical barriers make Symtron excels among the other biometric R&D companies. The core technology of face-on biometrics that Symtron embraces makes him one of the best partners I/O works with. I/O Software is excited about our relationship with Symtron, which brings a new biometric authentication solution to personal computing," said William Saito, President and CEO of I/O Software, Inc. " Facial Recognition promises a convenient and secure alternative to passwords, providing PC users with higher levels of both security and ease of use. I/O Software will continue to work closely with Symtron to offer a reliable and intuitive product."

"Our technology complements I/O Software's solution and we are excited to have established a relationship with I/O Software," said Dr. Alan Yeh, President of Symtron
Technology. "Face recognition is well suited to replace passwords and PINs because your face cannot be forgotten, lost, stolen, and shared with others. At the same time, FaceOn? is a reliable alternative to give users both convenience and benefits in the authorization process. We expect face recognition applications will encounter widespread use within the next few years and are pleased to be allied with I/O Software to bring convenient security to the mainstream."

FaceOn? enhances the security of computer and network systems by requiring the user's identity to be verified with face recognition. All users have to do with FaceOn? is to look into the lens of a camera. The authentication process easily registers the user's face as an access key. The FaceOn? product line includes FaceOn PC Suite for user authentication and file protection, and FaceOn? SDKs for developing solutions in verification, identification, and surveillance.