Smart Card Reader secures KVM switches.
Press Release Summary:
Paragon® II KVM Smart Card Reader solution for KVM switches provides security for accessing and managing data center equipment. Compliant with U.S. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) standards, reader authenticates card holders against third-party external authentication platforms before providing access. System does not store or cache card data, and requires re-authentication when changing targets.
Original Press Release:
Raritan Announces First Smart Card Reader for KVM Access to Data Centers for Added Security; Supports Federal HSPD-12 Standards
SOMERSET, N.J., May 7 -- To provide an additional level of security for accessing and managing data center equipment, Raritan today announced the first smart card and common access card (CAC) reader solution for a KVM switch. The new Paragon® II KVM Smart Card Reader solution - which is compliant with the U.S. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) standards - is ideal for government, financial and other sectors that require the additional layer of user authentication provided by smart card technology.
Raritan's solution integrates an SCM Microsystems smart card reader into a newly enhanced user station - a major component of Raritan's Paragon II KVM system. Widely used by government agencies and other customers to simplify data center management, Paragon II provides anytime, non-blocked access to data center servers and other IT equipment.
The built-in reader authenticates card holders against a third-party external authentication platform before providing secure access to servers. For additional security measures, Raritan's all-in-one solution does not store or cache card data and requires re-authentication when changing targets.
The Raritan solution supports HSPD-12 compliant smart cards, known as CACs, which are required to gain access to federally-controlled facilities and computer systems. To date, more than 11 million CACs have been issued to the Department of Defense and civilian agencies - making it the largest smart card deployment by the U.S.
Raritan partnered with SCM Microsystems Inc., an industry leader in smart card readers and interface technology, to develop the Paragon II security solution. SCM card readers are on the United States GSA schedule.
"We are providing our customers with a complete and secure KVM solution that leverages Paragon's inherent security features and the proven smart card reader technologies of SCM, a major player with a considerable installed base in the U.S. government," said Anthony Bonaventura, Capitol Region Sales Director at Raritan. "As federal agencies make the necessary HSPD-12 investments, it is vital that these organizations are provided with solutions that are easy to implement, while meeting the security demands of today's world."
Louis Modell, Vice President of Sales and General Manager, Americas for SCM Microsystems, added, "Safeguarding government data centers is critical to U.S. national security. SCM products fill the need for a smart card interface and have been involved in many government IT security programs over the past several years as smart card-based systems have evolved and strengthened. Together, Raritan's Paragon system and SCM's readers provide a secure and cost efficient solution to help U.S. federal agencies implement HSPD-12."
"With many military and federal government agencies requiring the use of Common Access Card (CAC) Cryptographic Logon (CCL) for computer user authentication, Raritan's integration of CAC smart card readers into the Paragon II environment will provide fully compliant, secure access to densely populated server rooms and data centers," added James Sinkiewicz, Owner and Founder of JSCS Computer Solutions - a Raritan reseller and a major supplier to the military and other public agencies in the San Diego, Calif., area.
About the Paragon II Smart Card Reader Solution
The Paragon II Smart Card Reader solution provides all the features and capabilities of the original Paragon II Enhanced User Station - including the highest video screen resolutions over the greatest distance. In addition to the new user station, Raritan has developed a new USB Computer Interface Module (CIM) for use specifically with the new security solution. The new user station and CIM work with existing Paragon II KVM switches with a simple software update. The solution will be available summer 2007.
For more information and to arrange a demonstration, please visit www.raritan.com/CAC-Reader
About SCM Microsystems
SCM Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:SCMM)(NASDAQ:Prime)(NASDAQ:Standard:)(NASDAQ:SMY) is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells its smart card reader technology for PC, network and physical access to OEM customers in the government, financial, and enterprise markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com/.
About Raritan (Raritan.com)
Raritan, based in Somerset, N.J., is a leading provider of management solutions that simplify IT operations. Based on KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches, serial console servers, management software, power management and remote connectivity, our secure solutions drive data center and branch office efficiency and productivity in more than 50,000 locations around the world. Raritan also serves the OEM market by developing advanced, hardware-based, remote-management components based on KVM-over-IP and IPMI technologies. Founded in 1985, Raritan today has 38 offices worldwide, and its products are distributed in 76 countries. For more information, please visit Raritan.com.
All marks are the property of their respective owners. Source: Raritan
CONTACT: Susana Thompson for Raritan, +1-978-526-1601, sthompson@theHarborGroup.com; or Annika Oelsner of SCM Microsystems, +49 89 9595-5220, aoelsner@scmmicro.de, Fax: +49 89 9595-5555 Web site: www.raritan.com/ http://www.scmmicro.com/
