UPEK Delivers First Biometric Security Software Solution
for Windows Vista Operating System

Protector Suite QL enhances usability and convenience of UPEK
fingerprint security solutions for Windows Vista users

EMERYVILLE, CA – January 29, 2007 – UPEK®, Inc., the world’s leading brand of fingerprint authentication security solutions, today announced the delivery of the first biometric security software solution for the Windows Vista™ operating system.  With Protector Suite™ QL 5.6, UPEK conveniently secures private information through finger-swipe authentication.  UPEK has already begun integrating its new software with many of the leading notebook PC manufacturers, customers and partners for solutions shipping with the public release of the Windows Vista operating system.

“UPEK was the first to demonstrate a biometric credential provider to us and Protector Suite QL is a great example of how an industry partner such as UPEK can add value to the end user experience by creating a custom authentication experience in Windows Vista,” says Daniel Oliver, Program Manager for Windows Shell at Microsoft® Corporation.  “The Windows Vista Credential Provider extends traditional password-based authentication and allows third parties to add their own credential mechanisms to the operating system.” 

UPEK was the first to announce a fingerprint-enabled application to support the Windows Vista operating system, expanding the reach of UPEK’s fingerprint security solutions and providing added convenience and privacy to users of Windows Vista.  Protector Suite QL supports both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Windows® operating systems and includes support for Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows 2003.

Toshiba has integrated UPEK’s fingerprint solution across many of its notebook computers, selling these notebooks both directly to businesses on the corporate side as well as to consumers via retail outlets.  “We selected UPEK’s solution based on two key factors – convenience and privacy,” says Carl Pinto, vice president, product development and marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division.  “With Protector Suite QL, Toshiba is now able to offer added security to notebook users, while maintaining easy management of these authentication credentials in one integrated solution.”

One of UPEK’s most recent customers already using Protector Suite QL is North State Radiology, a leading radiology diagnostic facility in Northern California.  “Protector Suite QL has provided our end users with centralized management of passwords and secure HIPAA-compliant logins with an easy to use interface and login process,” said William Caput, network engineer at North State Radiology.  “By implementing Protector Suite QL throughout our organization, we have increased security and convenience, and minimized our organization’s threat level.”

Protector Suite QL provides intuitive convenience and privacy features along with an easy enrollment and verification experience.  Features include:

• Windows Logon/Windows Lock: Helps protect users at the Windows logon and screen lock by replacing traditional password-based logon
• Password Bank: Automatically captures and replays usernames and passwords to websites and applications, eliminating the need to remember or write down numerous login credentials
• File Safe: Encrypts important files and folders allowing users control over who can access sensitive data
• Finger-activated application launcher: Associates a finger with an application to simplify launching of applications
• Pre-Boot Authentication: Adds an additional layer of security by requiring a valid fingerprint before the computer boots into Windows (optional on many notebook computer models)

All of these functions are available through Protector Suite QL’s unique biomenu, providing “always-on” access to all program functions. 

“This latest version of Protector Suite QL software underscores UPEK’s focus on providing a complete security solution, complementing its award-winning hardware security with easy to implement software solutions,” says Greg Goelz, vice president of marketing at UPEK.  “We are excited to be working with our partners and customers to continue developing and implementing innovative ways for biometric applications to enhance both the IT operations of business and the overall personal user experience.”

About UPEK

UPEK, Inc., a global leader in biometric fingerprint security solutions, offers integrated end-to-end solutions including comprehensive design & integration services to the world’s leading consumer and industrial products companies. UPEK solutions enable the strongest fingerprint authentication security available, packaged for high user convenience and rapid integration into existing products and network architectures.  The company has been pioneering biometric fingerprint technology since 1996 and shipping product in volume since 1999.  UPEK is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with offices in Prague, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.upek.com .

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UPEK, the UPEK logo and Protector Suite are registered trademarks or trademarks of UPEK, Inc. in the United States and other countries.  All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.