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Originally published at Internet.comAs its name implies, the RSA Smart Card Manager is a software platform that provides Enterprise management capabilities for smart card-based user credentials, including one-time passwords, digital certificates, usernames/passwords, PKI digital certificates, user and biometric data and custom applets. The vendor states that the platform integrates with smart card-based access and identity management platforms, providing life-cycle management of card credentials ranging "...from issuance, replacement and cancellation, as well as smart badging and applet management." Card Manager is able to bind credentials to the user's identity; so that it changes occur to that identity (renewals, revocations, etc.), those changes can be automatically propagated to devices and authentication authority components.
Among the specific tasks facilitated by the platform are initial user verification and enrollment; credential deployment/installation on cards; smart card printing (including support for photos, barcodes, user info, etc.); and revocation of credentials. Supported Card formats include Java Card (Global Platform), Multos, Proprietary Crypto Chip Cards, and MiFARE; while card printers listed as supported include Datacard (SP35, SP55, and Magna Series) and Fargo (DTC 500 Series and HDP 600 & 800 Series).
The newest release of the platform supports full integration with the vendor's RSA SecurID Authentication Manager, enabling Card Manager to issue and manage RSA SecurID credentials including RSA SecurID hardware authenticators and software tokens installed on smart cards.
The client server platform (Windows 2000/2003 Server for the Server and Windows XP/2000 for clients) supports multiple credential deployment modes, including bureau for large volume deployments; batch for groups of users; individual user issuance, and self-service capabilities. This latter feature, in particular, is made possible via a self-service Web portal providing users with the ability to unlock smart cards, request temporary replacement creds and process digital certificate renewals.
Policy and rules-based credential issuance and management is supported, and workflow-based interfaces guide users through tasks. For security, all end-user interactions with Card Manager are logged and digitally signed.
RSA Card Manager is available now. Contact RSA Security for further information.Author: EITPlanet Staff
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