e-Identity at the crossroads

It is clear that the biometrics marketplace is currently in transition. Logica’s own pan-European consumer research demonstrates as much, showing that public resistance to biometric identity authentication is diminishing as its benefits become more widely known.

Our poll surveyed 500 consumers in each of the following countries during April 2006: the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic. It made interesting reading, revealing that convenience and safety when travelling and managing financial transactions are now more important for Europeans than perceived privacy issues.

In Focus on e-Identity we explore the current e-ID landscape and discuss the real and significant implications of changing public perceptions on biometrics on banks.

The debate has shifted from whether the use of biometric data is ethical and reliable to what form or forms of biometrics are most effective and how best to integrate the technology and exploit its benefits. In many instances e-Identity implementations will use multiple modes of biometric authentication.

What is often overlooked is the fact that biometrics is as much about delivering value to customers as it is about identity authentication.

Schiphol Group has implemented the technology in a customer loyalty scheme. Five years after its implementation, Conny Lanza, general manager, gives her verdict on the system. There is no clearer an illustration of the benefits of e-Identity than its real-life application.

I hope Focus on e-Identity proves interesting reading and provides ideas on how best to deploy biometrics for the benefit of your business.

Tim Best, director, e-Identity business development, Logica.

For more information on e-Identity solutions, contact tim.best@Logica.com