Lumidigm Helps VU Amsterdam Put a Finger on Better ROI for University Recreation Facilities
Limits Fraud and Provides Better Payback than Plastic Card System
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Lumidigm today announced that Free Amsterdam University (VU), one of Europe's most prestigious colleges, is using the company's Venus Series multispectral imaging sensors in fingerprint readers used by approximately 8,000 students, faculty and staff to enter the school's multiple recreation facilities spread throughout Amsterdam. The switch to fingerprint scanning was done in tandem with the school's migration to a TopTix SRO software platform. Biometric integrator EasySecure International of Rotterdam proposed the Lumidigm solution as a good fit.
"Eliminating the opportunity for students to pass their cards to others was only part of the reason we upgraded to biometrics," explains Wouter Kropman, director of facilities at VU. "The system gives us a very professional look plus, in the long run, it saves us money. Within three to five years, the biometric solution becomes a break-even with plastic cards because of their associated costs, including cartridges, printers, support and management. Fingerprints provide a sustainable solution."
According to Kropman, governmental and semi-governmental organizations are obliged to follow strict procedures when purchasing new systems. For that reason, VU interviewed four companies and determined that EasySecure's solution using Lumidigm's multispectral imaging fingerprint sensor provided what they needed.
"This solution was more expensive but the high quality of the system, both in hardware and software, was decisive," emphasizes Kropman.
That's because the Lumidigm solution, based on using multiple wavelengths of light and advanced polarization techniques can extract unique fingerprint characteristics from both the surface and subsurface of the skin. This provides results that are more consistent, more inclusive and more tamper resistant than other biometrics. Dirty, calloused, wet or dry, the fingerprint is still readable with multispectral imaging.
VU uses four desk systems with scanners to enroll authorized users and has seven doors/gates with scanners for people to use to enter its sports complexes. On a typical day, the system averages over 1800 scans across all the entry points.
The research firm of Frost & Sullivan recently awarded the New Product Innovation of the Year Award, Fingerprint Biometrics, North America, 2010, to Lumidigm. According to Frost & Sullivan, Lumidigm's "innovative technology allows Lumidigm fingerprint sensors to provide highly accurate biometric data even in adverse conditions where traditional fingerprint sensors fail."
More information on Lumidigm biometric solutions is available at www.lumidigm.com.
About EasySecure
EasySecure International has developed various biometric solutions for identity verification. Its state-of-the-art and easy-to-use IdentySoft software was designed for time & attendance and access control at banks, healthcare institutions, recreational facilities and commercial businesses. EasySecure International product software easily integrates with other applications. All solutions are scalable. EasySecure distributes products throughout Europe. You can find more information about EasySecure and the IdentySoft product line at www.easysecure.nl.
About Lumidigm
Lumidigm Inc., the multispectral imaging biometrics company, is dedicated to enabling convenient, secure, and reliable identification and verification. Lumidigm fingerprint sensors capture superior images quickly, on all people, in all conditions. Everyone can be enrolled. Everyone can be verified. Lumidigm's sensors are quick and easy to use - perfect for any application in which speed, security and reliability are paramount. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lumidigm sensors are distributed worldwide. Lumidigm's initial venture capital investors are DFJ New England, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Epic Ventures, Intel Capital, International Venture Fund and Solstice Capital. Other investors include Methode Electronics, Motorola Ventures, New Mexico Co-Investment Partners managed by Fort Washington Capital, and Sun Mountain Capital. For more information, visit www.lumidigm.com.
Contacts:
Bill Spence,
Lumidigm,
408-891-4091,
bspence@lumidigm.com
Tom Brigham,
Brigham Scully,
207-941-1100,
tbrigham@brighamscully.com
