Date: 04/10/2012
Integrated authentication solution by Imprivata and TI for thin- and zero-client devices
Imprivata and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) have collaborated to support strong authentication and secure application access from virtual desktop environments. The solution, combining TI's DM8148 system-on-chip (SoC) and Imprivata OneSign to allow manufacturers to provide out-of-the-box strong user authentication into any software application delivered via a thin- or zero-client endpoint. This type of integrated technology is particularly attractive in healthcare, where highly mobile care providers require fast, secure access to sensitive patient information on shared devices, and IT teams strive to lower maintenance and increase security by centralizing data.
TI's DM8148 SoC:
TI's DM8148 SoC drives optimized virtual desktop capabilities in a power efficient, secure manner. The SoC's intelligent architecture consists of a programmable DSP to accelerate virtual desktop protocols and on-chip HD video accelerators for rich multimedia experiences, including 1080p video streaming. The DM8148 supports dual-displays (cloned or extended desktop) running concurrently up to 1920x1200 (WUXGA) resolution, and supports the leading Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) protocols for ultimate flexibility. The low-power SoC allows OEMs to create a fanless design, which yields greater reliability and lower maintenance for thin-client systems.
TI also developed a software reference design kit (RDK) for thin and zero clients to fully use the capabilities of the DM8148 SoC. Through its partnership with TI, Imprivata enables thin- and zero-client vendors to embed Imprivata OneSign strong authentication functionality directly into their devices incorporating the TI DM8148 SoC. This solution permits manufacturers to simplify their development and ensure Imprivata Ready accreditation for their products. The DM8148 SoC and the DM8148 software RDK are available today.
Imprivata OneSign:
Imprivata OneSign enables strong authentication across a broad range of operating systems, applications and devices with the broadest support of authentication modalities, including fingerprint biometrics, proximity and smart cards, one-time passwords, and USB tokens. Through the Imprivata Developer Program (IDP), Imprivata enables third-parties to integrate OneSign authentication into software and hardware via a family of application programming interfaces (API) and software called OneSign ProveID. Imprivata OneSign ProveID Embedded is a software layer that supports TI's DM8148 SoC and RDK, and is directly integrated within thin- and zero-client solutions to provide native authentication. In addition to supporting quick and secure data access, OneSign offers manufacturers and end users with flexibility, along with reassurance that technology investments are to allow long-term value and simplified management. With desktop virtualization adoption in hospitals expected to grow by 44% in 2013, Imprivata OneSign strong authentication allows users to benefit from No Click Access, which is essential for care providers who need instant access to protected clinical data.
"In healthcare, there is little delineation between the public and private spaces in which clinicians work, and care providers are constantly accessing patient information across shared workstations throughout a hospital. This poses a unique workflow and security challenge," said David Ting, founder and chief technology officer at Imprivata. "Desktop virtualization, when coupled with No Click Access, provides clinicians with fast, secure access to patient information, regardless of location. Used by over 2 million healthcare providers worldwide, Imprivata OneSign has become the standard for access and authentication in healthcare. Combined with TI's unparalleled technologies, Imprivata OneSign provides healthcare providers with strong authentication across more devices and operating environments than any other vendor in the industry."
"As interest in desktop virtualization continues to grow, the need for strong authentication and single sign-on also continues to rise," said Kim Devlin-Allen, thin client business manager, OMAP platform business unit, TI. "Meeting this demand, TI's DM8148 offers leading-edge performance and power advantages to enable cost-effective thin and zero clients, particularly in the highly regulated healthcare market. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase the DM8148 RDK software optimized with Imprivata's strong authentication technology, and to pave the way for new advancements in the embedded thin- and zero-client markets."
"Thin client desktop virtualization is a fast-growing trend in healthcare, as IT staff and clinical users look to reduce maintenance, secure end points and speed clinical workflows," commented Judy Hanover, IDC Health Insights research director. "Integrating strong authentication with SoC technology provides an attractive solution for end-to-end security, while also giving care providers fast and easy access to critical applications."
Source: Texas Instruments