KEY POINTS:
Businessman Bruce Bryant has put his finger on a novel way to help fund a technology export drive.
Bryant's company Biometrics has the Australasian distribution rights for a range of fingerprint-activated computer security devices.
The products, launched locally this month under the URSecure brand, include a fingerprint-scanning mouse which locks a user's computer, and portable flash drives, also activated by the owner's unique fingerprint impression.
Biometrics is a subsidiary of Digi-Clik International, also headed by Bryant, which is focused on launching a patented "hand-worn" computer mouse, designed to overcome occupational overuse syndrome issues, into the US market later this year.
While the fingerprint recognition and ergonomic aspects of the two businesses are not presently linked, Bryant is planning to bring them together eventually.
"We will definitely introduce [a biometric component] into the [Digi-Clik] products we're doing once we've proved our products," he said.
"In the meantime we see a market out there for these [URSecure fingerprint devices] which all helps the cashflow to fund the big thing."
While fingerprint scanners are increasingly being built into top-end notebook computers as a security feature, Bryant says he is not aware of anyone else marketing plug-in fingerprint scanning devices locally.
As a chartered accountant he says he uses flash drives regularly as a convenient way to store computer files when working at clients' offices.
"It never ceases to put a chill up my back thinking what would happen if I lost one of mine."
Data on the URSecure flash drives can be transferred to any computer via a USB connection, but only after the drive has scanned an authorised fingerprint. Bryant says the mouse is likely to appeal to workers in offices who want a simple way to keep their computers secure.
The devices cost between $75 and $390.
