Office and print specialist Ricoh has put biometric authentication technology on its latest multifunction printers as part of a new strategic alliance with Equitrac and BioStore.
Ricoh has joined forces with Equitrac and BioStore to help customers securely release sensitive information from its printers and MFPs.
The combination of technologies creates a secure environment within which only the allocated user’s fingerprint can release documents; enhancing the overall document security of an organisation.
Equitrac software provides customers with the tools needed to efficiently monitor, manage and recover documents.
It works in tandem with BioStore’s highly secure, centralised Identity Management System, allowing a single token of identity to be used across separate applications within an organisation.
Data breaches: brutal implications
“MFPs are gateways to an organisation’s network and if not properly secured can lead to breaches in data security that could inflict brutal implications,” explains Alan Mason, managing director, Ricoh Ireland.
“Customers are now able to incorporate biometric authentication into their overall document security strategy, providing one of the most secure methods of print verification.
“The partnership with Equitrac and BioStore will allow us to deliver and support customers seeking biometric authentication systems, and those who want to incorporate this innovative technology into new or existing Ricoh print solutions,” continued Mason.
Ricoh, BioStore and Equitrac all have strong ties with the education sector and have found biometric technology a hit in schools.
“Student safety is a matter of concern for all educational facilities,” explains Jeroen Kamphuis, alliance manager, Equitrac EMEA. “Unlike card and password-protected authentication, biometric characteristics cannot be misappropriated through bullying. Fingerprint technology is the safest possible way to identify the user.”
“The replacement of cards and wasted paper is also costly for schools, and by incorporating biometric technology with their printers, schools are able to oversee their document workflows more closely, manage print costs and ensure that only documents that are truly required are printed,” said Nigel Walker, director of BioStore.
