Inkjet & Digital Printing
Ricoh Simplifies Print Security With New Card Authentication Platform
Wednesday 05. March 2008 - New Platform Manages Access to Increase Overall Document Security
Ricoh Americas Corporation, the leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced a new Card Authentication Platform. Designed to control user’s access to multifunction products (MFPs), this platform allows administrators to authenticate users for scanning, faxing, copying, and printing from a central MFP.
Document security is a major concern at any organization, but especially those in which employees utilize centralized MFPs. To address this issue, the Card Authentication Platform requires that users log in at the MFP by swiping their existing identification card, such as their building ID badge. Some of the cards enabled to use this platform include HID, Casi-Rusco and NexWatch. With a simple swipe of the ID card, the Card Authentication Platform automatically integrates the user to the MFP allowing organizations to manage user access. This is beneficial for companies with temporary workers, for example, who may not need access to scanning and color printing, while full- time employees have complete access. In addition, by employing MFP authentication and installing the Secure Release Option, MFPs can also hold print jobs until the user swipes their ID card so unintended users do not pick up confidential documents.
“Ricoh understands that our customers place high importance on document security,” said Hede Nonaka, executive vice president, Document Solutions and Services Division, Ricoh Americas Corporation. “We believe the Card Authentication Platform will provide a complete print security solution.”
The Card Authentication Platform integrates authentication with several software applications, such as GlobalScan NX. With single sign-on, users swipe their card once at the MFP and do not have to authenticate themselves again as they change solutions, which further increases business operations and productivity. Furthermore, by utilizing the Card Authentication Platform offices can limit color usage to authorized users, reducing the total cost of ownership.
To further enhance usability, the Card Authentication Platform is fully compatible with the built-in user permissions function available standard in Ricoh’s MFP lineup. The management of permissions allows registration of a users name and password, and controls the functions available to that individual. This integration provides a higher level of security for organizations required to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, Gramm-Leach- Bliley and other regulations.