Informer takes market by Vistorm

Biometric software vendor moves from direct to indirect model

Biometric software vendor Informer Systems (ISL) has switched from a direct model to an indirect model to increase its market reach.

The firm has signed specialist security VAR Vistorm as a Premier Partner to resell its SentriNet fingerprint authentication software.

"We have finally built a cross-platform biometric solution in SentriNet that works for both remote access users and local users," said Derek McDermott, managing director of ISL.

He added that the software, which is fully integrated into Check Point's secure client virtual private network, integrates with a customer's existing infrastructure and does not force companies to spend more money on new hardware.

"This gives resellers more margin opportunity and the chance to wrap consultancy and services around the product," McDermott said.

He added that the firm is looking to take on a maximum of six partners over the next 12 months. "It is quality we are looking for rather than quantity. Biometrics is still an emerging market and it is not yet ready for mass market," he said.

McDermott explained that partners would be expected to complete both sales and technical training to qualify for Premier status.

"I am delighted to welcome Vistorm to our partner programme. It is an excellent choice to deliver our biometric authentication software to both public and private sector customers," he said.

Rhodri Davies, head of technology at Vistorm, which also specialises in firewalls, managed services and identification management, said the firm would be aiming the technology at customers that have "a requirement for good authentication but poor password discipline".

He said: "It is vital to have a solution in place to protect the most valuable corporate asset - data - from theft, damage or misappropriation.

"We have been watching biometric technology for a while and are getting to the stage where hardware is reliable enough and the price point is lower."