Florida Today

Residents help test AuthenTec product

June 5, 2003
By Brian Monroe

MELBOURNE -- AuthenTec, a local fingerprint-sensor maker, needs you. The Melbourne-based maker of biometric semiconductor chips -- which use a person's own fingerprints to restrict access to computers, personal digital assistants, cellular phones, cars and buildings -- needs residents for a large-scale test of its products.

The test is a dry run for the company's part in Round Five of the International Biometric Group's Comparative Biometric Testing.

Doing well in the International Biometric Group testing is crucial for AuthenTec because it is the industry's leading independent comparative barometer and provides data for large corporations and government agencies around the world looking for a quality product to deploy on a large scale.

AuthenTec is seeking residents 18 years old or older who have little to no biometric experience with naturally dry, worn, moist or callused fingers, particularly those who either work outdoors or with their hands. Testing started Monday and will run until June 14. Those interested can call AuthenTec at (321) 308-1398, or show up at the company's headquarters, 709 S. Harbor City Blvd., any time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Testing lasts 45 minutes and participants receive a $25 gift certificate for Target, Best Buy, Publix or Home Depot.

On Monday, AuthenTec tested three residents from nearby Trinity Towers, a retirement facility.

"They had a hoot of a time," AuthenTec spokeswoman Colette Cote said. "Those who participated were laughing and are looking forward to going out and using their gift cards."