News & Press

Software House Multi-Tech Readers Meet FIPS 201

Software House multi-technology readers have been accepted as compliant with Homeland Security Presidential Directive #12 ("HSPD-12"). HSPD-12 is the directive that explains the government's expectations to standardize to a common, secure credential as defined by Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 201("FIPS 201").
Software House Multi-Technology Readers provide the industry’s first multi-protocol, multi-frequency solution for customers who either want to transition to smart cards or who want to utilize both smart cards and proximity cards in their facility. The readers make access control more powerful, more versatile, and more cost-effective by allowing customers to implement the smart card solution in stages. While a customer is transitioning to smart cards, the Multi-Technology Readers can read both the existing proximity cards and the new smart cards.

There will be an estimated 25 million smart cards deployed among federal, state and local agencies and transportation workers in the coming years. The FIPS 201-compliant smart card technology will be one of the largest and most secure converged physical and network security solutions available, and as such, one of the most supported by manufacturers the world over. Tyco Fire & Security recognized early on the Multi-Technology Reader would be critical to those organizations trying to meet this regulation. Its proliferation will enable those in the public and private sector to achieve a high level of security and interoperability at an attractive price point.

"Currently, there are many kinds of cards and readers on the market. By offering a FIPS 201 compliant multi-technology reader, we are enabling our customers to meet regulations more easily and effectively because they do not have to concern themselves with the significant up-front cost associated with the change," said Peter Boriskin, director of product management for Tyco Fire & Security’s access control solutions. "Customers can shift to the smart card system over time, allowing for an overall smoother transition for employees and security personnel."

For more information on FIPS 201 compliance, contact InterTECH Security.

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