IBM unveils world's first biometric ThinkPad at GITEX 2004

Launching today in both the Middle East and European markets, the new biometric capability simplifies access to personal and financial information, web sites, documents and e-mail while offering unmatched levels of data protection.

'Today we raised the bar on security by integrating what was once considered sci-fi technology with the notebook of choice for everyday business,' said Imtiaz Ghani, regional manager personal computer division, IBM Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. 'The first biometric ThinkPad combines a fingerprint reader with an Embedded Security Subsystem, providing a layer of security that is built in, not bolted on. We build security into every part of our business solutions, from PCs to servers to middleware to wireless networks.'

The fingerprint reader is built into select models of the ThinkPad T42 and T42p. With the new reader, located on the wrist rest below the arrow keys, users swipe their finger across a small horizontally oriented sensor to log-on to their systems, software applications, web sites, or databases. The scanning process takes only seconds, combining convenience with the strongest notebook security available. This type of fingerprint reader captures more data than a traditional 'picture' capture window because it scans more of the fingertip's surface area, helping to eliminate misidentification.

IBM On Demand Security Architecture and ThinkVantage Technologies
IBM also enhanced its hardware- and software-based Embedded Security Subsystem by releasing a new level of Client Security Software, Version 5.4, with a secure Password Manager, simplified ease-of-use and installation, and available by preload for the first time. The new version allows fingerprint identification and complex passphrases to be used interchangeably or in combination. The new software and the embedded security chip are seamlessly integrated with the fingerprint reader, protecting vital security information, such as encryption keys, electronic credentials and passphrases, and guarding against unauthorized user access.

The Embedded Security Subsystem is a key component of IBM ThinkVantage Technologies, a suite of tools that make ThinkPad notebooks and ThinkCentre desktops easier to deploy, connect, protect and support. The fingerprint reader represents only one level in a concentric set of IBM security solutions. They include servers, operating systems, identity management, middleware, web-based privacy, network access, storage, systems management and consulting services. These protect information in the face of external hacker threats, costly viruses and worms, e-mail spam, government compliance, and new wireless technologies.

Additionally, new solutions announced today by IBM and Utimaco Safeware give users the ability to fully encrypt their entire hard drive, and to use fingerprint identification to provide convenient and secure authentication before boot-up. This protects against unauthorized access, should a notebook get stolen or lost. Utimaco Safeguard Easy is the first full drive-encryption product tested for full compatibility with IBM Rescue and Recovery, a ThinkVantage Technology that can automatically archive and restore an entire hard drive to protect against data loss.

Ultimate Connectivity and Portability
Available in a thin and light platform, the ThinkPad T42 starts at 1 inch thin and has a travel weight of 4.5 pounds. It also offers IBM's unique battery configuration, capable of providing all day computing, up to 7.5 hours on select models with the nine-cell extended battery. Mobile business users who take their notebooks with them everywhere will benefit from the power of the Intel Pentium M processor, long battery life and multiple options for wireless connectivity. It is available with the new Intel 765 Pentium M 2.1 GHz processor.

IBM provides flexibility so users of the ThinkPad T42 can take advantage of wireless technology via Intel 802.11b, Intel 11b/g, Intel 11a/b/g, IBM 11b/g, IBM 11a/b/g, and Bluetooth Wireless Technology. In addition, all T42 models come standard with a modem, Gigabit Ethernet and Infrared.

Equipped with IBM's patented hard drive protection technology to help protect people's data, the ThinkPad T42 is designed for greater durability among business travelers. The IBM Active Protection System, similar to the technology used in automobiles to deploy airbags, uses a microchip on the system board to detect system acceleration (such as in a fall) and responds by temporarily parking the drive's read/write head. This rapid response can help prevent some hard drive crashes that occur in some falls, helping to prevent total data loss and ultimately reduce downtime and warranty costs.