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Vocera Communications Enhances Security Features for its Wearable, Instant Voice Communications System
Voice printing and enhanced broadcast capabilities improve communications for mobile workers
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2003) - New security measures lead the enhancements Vocera Communications Inc. has made to its instant, hands-free, voice-controlled communications system, which were announced today at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) convention.
The Vocera Communications System allows mobile workers within 802.11b networked buildings or campuses to instantly connect with one another by using simple voice commands. This allows users to make decisions and act quickly anytime, anywhere in many healthcare, retail, and manufacturing environments.
"Vocera considers security to be an important cornerstone of our system," said Julie Shimer, CEO of Vocera Communications. "We recognize that many of our customers, particularly those in the healthcare community, must be sensitive to unauthorized access to staff communications, as well as the voice, e-mail, and text messaging the system supports."
To prevent imposters from logging in as someone else or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, Vocera has added a voice-printing feature to the system.
Voice printing is a secure and unobtrusive way to authenticate a user before allowing access. When employees log into the system, they say their own name, and a prerecorded voice print is compared to the user's voice to see if there is a match. Each time the user logs into the system, the voice print is enriched and better captures his or her voice characteristics.
Voice printing is a biometric security measure, similar to a fingerprint. The system captures the unique behavioral characteristics of the way a person speaks, as well as the physical characteristics of his or her vocal tract. It's highly reliable and even works if a person's voice changes slightly, such as when the user has a cold.
Other new features include a special live broadcast feature, which allows users to transmit a live broadcast to a specific group of users. For example, in a retail environment, a manager could instantly request, "All cashiers up front," without distracting overhead pages.
This also can provide additional security in sensitive environments. For example, a doctor or nurse could notify all emergency medical personnel on duty of major incoming injuries by pressing the badge's call button and saying, "Broadcast to ER team," then announcing the necessary message: "All ER personnel needed in the ER immediately. Ambulances coming in from major car accident."
Starting February 21 the upgrade is available for current customers as part of the standard Vocera maintenance agreement and will be available in new product shipments.
The Vocera Communications System consists of Vocera Server Software, residing on a customer premise server, and Vocera Communications Badges, which operate over a wireless LAN (802.11b). The badge, weighing less than 2 ounces, includes a microphone and speaker, LCD readout to display text messages, and an 802.11b wireless radio. It can be clipped to a shirt pocket or collar or worn on a lanyard.
The system is sold through select value-added resellers across the United States. Pricing is based on purchases of the software, badges, and software maintenance agreement. Server software licenses start at a list price of $20,000 for a 75-seat users' license, and the Vocera Communications Badge, which can be shared by shift-based workers, is listed at $350.
About Vocera Communications
Vocera Communications has created a wireless communications system to enhance patient care, productivity, and teamwork throughout organizations by enabling instant communications among mobile workers. The company, headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., was founded in March 2000. For more information, contact the company at (408) 882-5100 or visit the Web site at www.vocera.com.
