I saw it when I was doing some research when first announced. I'll look for a link but the subscriber number I gave you is valid. However, Annes Diary is just the first launch of biometrics with possibly many more applications forthcoming.
It sounds like they intend to distribute this in mass thru the Novell EDirectory software.
Ingram Micro to Distribute New Biometric Login Products Developed by Fujitsu for Novell eDirectory
Fingerprint Sensor Solution Can Replace Passwords or Tokens in Financial, Educational, Health Care and Government eDirectory Applications
SAN FRANCISCO and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 7 / -- LinuxWorld -- Ingram Micro, the world's largest technology distributor, has reached an agreement in principle with Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) to distribute new Fujitsu biometric login interface products for Novell® eDirectory(TM) and Novell Access Manager. The contract will be effective in Canada, and the parties intend to extend the relationship to the U.S. later this year.
Fujitsu Microelectronics and 123ID, Inc. have developed biometric login solutions to allow database users access to Novell eDirectory applications running on Linux, NetWare and Windows. The biometric solution replaces password authentication and verification in eDirectory by using a fingerprint login. The authentication technology is designed for use in a wide range of financial, educational, medical, and government applications that are served by Novell eDirectory (see the accompanying press release dated August 7, 2007, http://www.fujitsu.com/us/news/pr/fma_20070807-1.html).
Ingram Micro currently plans to begin distribution of the Fujitsu biometric login products in fall 2007. One application for these products for Novell eDirectory and Novell Access Manager is for use with Anne's Diary, a new secure virtual community developed for children based on the world-famous novel, "Anne of Green Gables." The Fujitsu biometric sensor is part of the solution that provides optimal security for users in accessing Anne's Diary. Users will be able to easily authenticate themselves and communicate with their peers and friends around the world.
"Ingram's global leadership in distribution, sales, and service of technology products is well-established and widely recognized. We are pleased to be working with them on this innovative new solution," said Keith Horn, chief operating officer, Fujitsu Microelectronics America.
"Biometrics represents one of the most important and fastest-growing technologies, and is now being deployed in a wide range of commercial, consumer, and government applications," said Mike Gazdic, vice president, vendor management for Ingram Micro Canada. "This kind of advanced fingerprint sensor solution delivers an unprecedented level of security, and is easy to install and implement."
About Fujitsu Microelectronics America
Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other markets throughout North and South America. For more information about the Fujitsu biometric login products please see http://us.fujitsu.com/micro/edir
Still searching for other links supporting the subscriber numbers on the annesdiary website. Below is one
$600,000 is a fairly large order for just one month as well for 10,000 units.
Biometric device manufacturer Sequiam Corp. has started production on 10,000 biometric hardware kits for Fujitsu in an initial order worth $600,000, but one that potentially could be worth millions of dollars, company officials say.
The hardware kits will be used by Fujitsu for multiple security access applications including Novell's eDirectory and www.annesdiary.com, which Orlando-based Sequiam (OTCBB: SQUM) touts as the world's first secure social networking site for children, particularly young girls. The site has 600,000 subscriptions around the world.
With biometric fingerprint security, the networking site will be able to keep out hackers and predators, Sequiam founder Nick VandenBrekel says.
The lack of security of social networking sites has been making headlines, most recently when a 13-year-old girl committed suicide after reportedly being bullied online.