Biometrics

Offices and businesses everywhere have been slowly moving toward a paperless office. With internet access a mandatory business tool, and the new introduction of Adobe Intelligent Documents that can be used via the internet, a paperless society is not too far in the distance. However, one major issue that has slowed down this paperless movement is the need for signatures. While clicking an agreement button might be enough to constitute a contract in some states, for financial documents and other transactions an actual signature is needed for legal reasons.

Enter biometric signature technology. This new technology works in several different ways, and has many advantages for the international business transactions. Biometric signature technology allows signatures to be compared and verified for identification purposes. This technology can be used for security, such as getting into a confidential computer system. Biometric signature technology can also be used to perform transactions over distances through the internet.

When using biometric signature technology for contracts, there are many options to choose from. PenDocs is the most secure and commonly used brand of biometric signature systems. PenDocs uses their server to store biometric digital signatures of registered users of the product. When contracts or transactions are signed in Word, Adobe, or on the web, PenDocs verifies the signature by comparing it to that in the database on their server. Once the signature is verified, the transaction can be completed.

Biometric signature technology allows companies and corporations, as well as small businesses and home operations, to conduct business and sign contracts digitally. The biometric signature system ties into the computer system via a USB port. The system works in conjunction with Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat to allow the user to digitally sign contracts and agreements with their actual handwritten signature.

There are many software packages and equipment options for those wishing to pursue biometric signature technology. The systems and software packages range in price but are generally cost effective. Especially when taking into consideration the savings to be had by avoiding courier fees, printing fees, and paper handling costs, the digital biometric signature solutions are quite affordable for any business.

There are many industries in which the biometric signature technology could be successfully utilized as a tool for business growth and development. Service businesses that conduct service over the internet, such as real estate agents, virtual assistants, and copy writers, could use the biometric signature technology to have digitally signed contracts. These contracts would be much more feasible and cost effective, especially when dealing with businesses and clients who are overseas. Additionally, the contracts will be more likely to hold up in court if one party breaches the contract.

Another industry that biometric signature technology could be used is in financial institutions and brokerages. Currently, when stocks, bonds, commodities, or insurance policies are purchased over the internet, documents must be sent back and forth through the mail in order to obtain the necessary signatures. With biometric signature technology, the entire transaction could be completed in one day.