AuthenTec to Provide First Biometric Plug-In for Windows CE 5.0 Operating System; AuthenTec Announces Biometric Support in Latest Microsoft Windows CE Release

Business Wire, June 28, 2004

MELBOURNE, Florida -- Updated Configuration Tool, Platform Builder 5.0, Will Support Authentication Based on the Company's Touch and Swipe Fingerprint Sensors

AuthenTec, Inc., the leading semiconductor provider of fingerprint sensors to the global market, announced today that its TruePrint(R) technology is the first fingerprint authentication technology to be included with Microsoft's Windows CE operating system with the release of the latest version 5.0. Included with the third-party development toolkit, Platform Builder 5.0, will be support for the AuthenTec's EntrePad(TM) fingerprint family of sensors which offers developers an easy method for adding fingerprint biometric support to products such as PDAs, cell phones and multi-user computer terminals found in hospitals and in call centers.

The new version of Microsoft Windows CE expands the local authentication sub system (LASS) and enables users to seamlessly support AuthenTec's TruePrint-based sensors. Fingerprint authentication can be configured for "power-on" and "log-in" to launch an application or to log-on to a Web site. The security and convenience of fingerprint biometrics is now an easy plug-in for OEMs and eliminates the need for insecure PIN numbers that are currently used to secure their devices.

"With support for AuthenTec's TruePrint-based sensors, Windows CE 5.0 will greatly reduce development time for device makers seeking to bring biometric authentication to Windows Powered products," said Jane Gilson, group product manager, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. "Windows CE 5.0 will ship with all components automatically set to the highest possible security setting while providing developers with flexibility to add user authentication settings such as AuthenTec's solution."

"Microsoft recognizes the value of biometrics for everyday applications," said Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec. "The decision to include AuthenTec as the first to support Windows CE is certainly a compliment to our Company and is another indication that the biometrics industry has arrived."

At the upcoming Windows Embedded Developer's Conference, June 29 - July 1 in San Diego, California, Microsoft will formally announce and demonstrate the new Platform Builder 5.0 biometric tool. To access additional information about the conference, visit www.windowsembeddeddevcon.com.

Award-Winning TruePrint(R) Technology

Used to replace PINs, passwords, physical access cards and keys, AuthenTec's TruePrint(R)-based sensors provide the most convenient and reliable fingerprint security solutions available today for the PC, wireless, access control and automotive markets. AuthenTec's patented TruePrint technology allows fingerprints to be read below the surface of the skin to the live layer -- or true fingerprint. As such, TruePrint is not affected by common skin surface conditions including dry, worn, calloused, dirty or oily skin that can affect other sensors' ability to acquire accurate fingerprint images for user authentication purposes. Uniquely, TruePrint is the only fingerprint sensor technology capable of acquiring everyone's fingerprint under virtually any condition. TruePrint technology is the driver behind AuthenTec's ability to provide the broadest range of form factors and the lowest cost fingerprint sensors available on the market today.

Recent recognition of AuthenTec's fingerprint sensors and patented technology include prestigious awards, such as: the 2004 Fast Company Disrupter Award; the 2003 Innovative Housing Technology Award; the 2003 BiometriTech Best of Show Product Award; the 2003 Florida Governor's New Product Award; the Wireless Systems Design 2002 Reader's Choice Award; and the SC Magazine Best of 2002 Award.

About AuthenTec, Inc.

With more than a million sensors deployed worldwide, AuthenTec is the leading semiconductor provider of fingerprint sensors to the PC, wireless, PDA, access control and automotive markets. AuthenTec's FingerLoc(R) and EntrePad(TM) product families utilize the Company's patented TruePrint(R) technology, the first technology to make fingerprint biometrics viable for mass-market adoption. AuthenTec is an AO100 Top Private Global Company, as well as a two-time winner of Frost & Sullivan's Market Leadership Award. The Company's network of partners, solution providers and customers include Analog Devices, Bioscrypt, Computer Associates, Delphi, Fellowes, Harris Corporation, IBM, Microsoft, Samsung, SCM Microsystems, Targus and Texas Instruments. For more information, visit www.authentec.com.

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