Despite the slow uptake of biometric technology, fingerprint devices have begun to receive traction in certain industry niches, according to IMS Research, a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets.

“Fingerprint recognition devices have been around for a number of years but they were initially commercially unsuccessful, primarily due to their high price,” says Justin Siller, an IMS Research analyst. “Over time pockets of opportunity have emerged where fingerprint biometrics have started to find real traction.”

According to the latest biometrics market report by IMS, the global market for fingerprint devices is forecasted to reach $650 million by 2013.

Government agencies such law enforcement and prisons have been utilizing the technology to collect data on criminals and secure facilities.

“In governmental buildings the use of fingerprint recognition for access control is increasing as governments worldwide seek higher levels of security. With certain areas of the government sector finding success with fingerprint devices, additional opportunities for the use of biometrics have emerged,” Siller says.

Biometrics has also become a factor in other government programs such as e-passports, border control, visas, national identification, refugee programs, welfare programs, voter cards, benefit fraud and food programs.

The move toward biometrics has also affected airports and border control applications, as well as healthcare and manufacturing industries.

“Biometrics is no longer a dream of the past and truly has a bright future ahead,” Siller says.

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