Biometric technologies are poised to emerge as a potent tool for the detection and prevention of terrorism, say market analysts.
Increased security imperatives post-September 11 are expected to catalyse demand for biometrics, according to market analysts. According to a new analysis by marketing consulting company, Frost & Sullivan (http://frost.com), the total biometrics market within the travel industry, which was valued at $2.7 million in 2001, is estimated to yield revenues of $640 million in 2006.
Official guidelines for enhanced travel security is identified as a key driver in expanding demand for biometric solutions. The focus of the air travel security industry has coalesced around a four-fold objective, Frost say: to renew customer confidence; to establish a secure environment for air travel; to implement streamlined safety procedures and to prevent aircraft-boarding with weapons or false identities.
Biometric technologies are viewed as critical to achieving these goals, particularly with regard to proper passenger identification and secure access control. Moreover, fairly short development spans are expected to boost the immediate deployment of biometrics in a real-world setting, the analysts say. New laws aimed at tightening standards and procedures for airport and travel security is anticipated to further stimulate use of biometrics in this industry. The Frost & Sullivan study says: ?For instance, once the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act becomes Federal law in the US, it will mandate the use of biometrics in travel documents, passports and visas. Furthermore, it will dictate that other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program issue travel documents/passports with the same qualities, and authorise funds to install biometric readers at US border entry points.?
Such governmental efforts are being seen globally. Countries including France, the UK, Canada and India are enacting legislation aimed at developing means of identifying and eliminating terrorist threats. Biometric technology is expected to be an enabler in achieving this objective, Frost say.
Another worldwide trend expected to have a beneficial impact on the uptake of biometrics is the expanding use of smart cards. These two technologies complement each other in providing enhanced security. In addition, the storage of biometric templates in smart cards assuages privacy concerns by allowing individuals to retain ultimate control.
Among the competing technologies, the mature fingerprint biometrics segment is expected to dominate, based on ease-of-use and competitive pricing, say Frost, uses including employee identification, access control and passenger verification applications. Frost & Sullivan forecasts the travel market for fingerprint biometrics to increase revenues from $1.4 million in 2001 to $225 million in 2006.
Facial, iris recognition and hand geometry are likely to account for relatively smaller market shares, but will enjoy phenomenal growth rates, the analysts add. In particular, facial recognition technologies are projected to mount a strong challenge to fingerprint technologies, with revenues of $211 million by 2006.
In terms of application areas, passenger verification, surveillance and access control all offer growth opportunities to biometrics manufacturers, Frost say. The most dynamic segments, however, are passenger verification and surveillance. They are estimated to account for 43.9 per cent and 32.6 per cent, respectively, of revenue share for biometric sales in 2006. Nevertheless, several challenges remain to be tackled, say Frost. Primary among them are the tremendous logistical difficulties and enormous financial outlays that accompany the task of overhauling entire airport security systems. The Frost & Sullivan study adds: ?However, technology alone is not the solution for the considerable airport security requirements. Multinational and inter-agency information-sharing, adequate training to personnel and proper implementation of security procedures are also essential for success.?
