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Challenges In the past, the need for IdM solutions and services using biometrics and smart cards was largely for physical access control however now there is more of a focus on the logical side of the market. Many federal agencies who meet HSPD-12's requirements for physical and logical access to their buildings and computer systems, have had adequate challenges in incorporating biometric capabilities into their infrastructures. The Department of Homeland Security recently established an effort to converge biometrics with its existing smart card identification system. Other government efforts have not been very successful in these efforts but with the advancement of sensors and computing capability to digitally represent and process biometrics, there is greater potential now for success. Interoperability with existing systems and compatibility with different scanning hardware has previously been a challenge with most IdM solutions and services. Only recently have these solutions established frameworks enabling users and enterprises to integrate identity, profile, and relationship information across multiple systems. This has been made possible by modular open standards architectures and designs that are now incorporating international standards such as ANSI/INCITS, ISO/IEC, and ICAO, which are focused on the privacy issue of information. Conclusion Today’s IdM solutions and services using biometrics and services that have open and standards based architectures provide the greatest flexibility for seamless yet secure transactions using biometric and smart card technology. Transactions can now be made more secure and convenient on an individual level, as well as for society at large. Through continuous education, standards implementation and good policy security using biometrics and smart cards and convenience can be maintained, as IdM technology advances. Consumer acceptance and adoption will continue to become the predominant driver of widespread use and advancement of biometrics and smart cards. End of article. About The Author Amarish Pathak, CIO at American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), has worked in computer technology and management for over 19 years. He is an expert in the fields of biometrics and smart card technology. In the past he has been successful in providing value-added IT expertise, management, guidance, support, and services to enable business growth, productivity, and continuity to organizations in the US and Europe. Amarish can be reached online at [email protected]. + % %! ! & , ! . !( %+ ' "! "#+% ' - + % !& , ! % '& % & %) *"% *