Case Study: U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. Department of Defense Increases Security with Wireless Mobile Device-Enabled Solution

The United States Department of Defense has been able to improve security at installations worldwide by implementing a perimeter security solution built on the Microsoft Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs. The solution dramatically increases reliability of identification, reduces the time required to disseminate access rights changes, and gives security personnel the mobility and the information they need to secure installations in the face of increased security concerns.

Situation

Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, government organizations and businesses worldwide have faced increasing concerns over security and safety. To decrease the potential for entry by persons carrying false identification, the United States Department of Defense (DOD) wanted a perimeter access security system that would allow gate personnel to identify an individual positively, based on previously recorded personal information. In the past, access was granted with only a visual check, comparing the ID photograph with the person seeking entry.

Solution

Using Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ software for the Pocket PC, the DOD developed an easy-to-use system capable of identifying people by more than one method, and one that also gives security personnel the freedom to move easily away from the guard structure to the gate or around vehicles and into busses. The system shortens the time required to distribute to every gate changes in access rights—a process that previously could take several days.

Benefits

Working with Lowry Computer, the DOD developed a system that helps increase perimeter security by:

• Virtually eliminating the potential for gaining access with falsified identification cards.
• Reducing—from days down to moments—the time required to disseminate to every access point changes in access rights.
• Providing security personnel with the mobility they require.
• Giving security personnel all the data they need to grant or deny access. The device scans the ID card and displays previously recorded data against which a guard can confirm identity and access rights. Each device has an integrated fingerprint reader that lets the guard compare the fingerprint presented at the access point with the fingerprint recorded at registration.

Says Steve Lowry, Vice President of Lowry Computer, "Pocket PC is becoming a standard device for field data collection and analysis. It was a perfect fit for this situation because it supports the display of uniquely individual proofs of identity." Employing software that uses familiar development and programming, the DOD will be able to count on making future changes or upgrades easily to their application developed to work with Pocket PC.

When you're on the go, Windows Mobile provides the freedom to connect with people and information because it's familiar and powerful – helping you to stay in touch and in sync with what matters in your life.

For more information on Windows Mobile software go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile

For More Information

For more information about Microsoft products and services, call the Microsoft Sales Information Center at (800) 426-9400. In Canada, call the Microsoft Canada Information Centre at (877) 568-2495. Customers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can reach Microsoft text telephone (TTY/TDD) services at (800) 892-5234 in the United States or (905) 568-9641 in Canada. Outside the 50 United States and Canada, please contact your local Microsoft subsidiary. To access information using the World Wide Web, go to: www.microsoft.com

For more information about Lowry Computer Products, call or visit the Web site at: http://www.lowrycomputer.com/

For more information about U.S. Department of Defense products and services, call or visit the Web site at: http://www.defenselink.mil/

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