Biometrics Is Here! By Raymond J. Fry, identiMetrics

When most people think of biometrics, they think about high security technology - a technology that the government will use for passports and border control, that banks will use to combat identity theft, that police will use to find criminals, that we see in the movies. But the high cost, high security, futuristic biometric technology unthinkable in business applications just a few years ago, is here ... and it's adaptable and affordable.

Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic. They include face, fingerprint, hand geometry, handwriting, iris, retina, vein or voice. Fingerprint recognition is by far the most developed technology – currently 85% of the biometrics market. It's trusted, accurate and easy to use, and the most cost-effective for business implementations.

Many functions in a retail environment require identification. The most common kinds of identification currently in use are smart, swipe, bar code or picture ID cards, PINs; and, of course, visual identification. Each of these methods creates its own issues, delays, and are also a drain on the time and resources of IT departments.

Raymond J. Fry is President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board for identiMetrics. Jay brings a wealth of experience to identiMetrics, having served as an executive professional throughout his career. Jay was formerly the Principal and Senior Administrator for a large school in the Chicago area. He also served as that district's technology coordinator, playing a significant role in the development of educational and technology policies and procedures as well as fiscal management.

As a published author and an accomplished musician, Jay is also a two-time Fulbright Scholar – once in Belgium and then in Northern Ireland. He holds a list of professional and honorary accomplishments and received his Doctorate in Administration/Education and Master of Science in Education from the University of Illinois.

Jay was the winner of the 2005 "Pitch Olympics" sponsored by the Venture Association New Jersey (VANJ). He has made numerous presentations including the 2005 and 2006 CardTech/SecureTech Annual Conference and Exhibition and serves on the International Biometrics Industry Association's (IBIA) International Markets and Liaison working group. Jay was a finalist in the 2006 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.