If your company ID card program needs an overhaul, you can easily add data security and various levels of functionality with the HID iCLASS smart cards. Not only does this smart card protect your business and cardholder data with technology, but adds functionality in multiple ways. For example, you can use an HID iCLASS smart card for access to your facilities, to check out equipment, and also use it as a payment option in the cafeteria.
What's the difference between a regular proximity card and a smart card?
Proximity cards are almost ubiquitous when you think about ID cards. They are the bread and butter for keyless entry into your neighborhood gym and fitness center. Some apartments and condos use proximity cards for entry as do hotels and motels. If you've ever gotten a season pass to an amusement park or a local pool, you might have used a proximity card for entrance.
Prox cards send data to a card reader, and if the data on the card matches what's in the system, the door unlocks. Smart cards, like prox cards, share data between cards and readers, but they also have layers of data protection and more functionality. The iCLASS smart cards can hold much more data than a prox card, making it perfect for a variety of uses beyond entry and access.
Smart cards' extra layers of data protection use passwords and multi-factor authentication to ensure data security and protection for both the cardholder and your company. These extra layers are necessary, especially if you tie your smart cards to proprietary or financial information.
The original HID iCLASS cards
The first iCLASS smart cards were an advancement over proximity cards, and companies today with older systems still use the original cards. Nowadays, thanks to advances in technology, you have even smarter smart cards from which to choose.
We recommend you upgrade to the most current smart card technology, if possible. If not, we still carry supplies for the original HID iCLASS cards.
Next generation HID iCLASS SE cards
HID came out with the next generation of smart cards, the iCLASS SE, which allows you to encode more data on each card and offers even better protection thanks to Security Identity Object programming. This level offers cardholders a cashless payment option for cafeterias, parking garages, vending machines, and so much more.
Idesco has a variety of iCLASS SE options like clamshell cards and key fobs to offer even more functionality for your ID card solution.
Newest technology in HID iCLASS Seos cards
The iCLASS Seos cards are the latest technology that is no longer limited to a plastic card. Smart phones and watches use the same Seos programming, making these new iCLASS cards even more convenient for your employees, students, staff, etc.
Get the most advanced data protections options like multiple Security Identity Object programming on a card as well as multi factor authentication and even one-time passwords. HID Global’s iCLASS Seos smart cards enable cardholders to carry dual identities in a single credential to offer a true “one card” solution for physical and logical access control. You can program these cards to work immediately for opening doors and accessing IT resources since they are provisioned to support other applications, including One-Time Password authentication (OTP) for network login. The versatility of these cards is exceptional.
Key features include:
- Versatile strong authentication – The solution of choice for companies looking for state-of-the-art access control and multi-application smart cards.
- Increased interoperability – Part of the iCLASS SE platform, the open and standards-based solution supports future technologies and can store data for multiple applications that are independently protected (as part of a fire-walled architecture).
- Effective risk mitigation – Provides protection against attacks and timely remediation.
- Greater Return on Investment (ROI) – Programmable cards are based on a reliable platform that includes a lifetime warranty.
- Comprehensive support – Out-of-the-box support enables you to seamlessly create and manage secure identities during the life span of the card.
Final thoughts
Idesco carries a wide assortment of HID iCLASS smart cards and readers to meet your ID card needs and budget. If you're interested in updating your current system or are starting an ID card solution from scratch, contact an Idesco ID Expert. All of our ID Experts are vendor agnostic, meaning they offer the best system at the best price that works best for your business and security needs.
You can also visit our NYC showroom and test the products first-hand. Our ID Experts are available either way to ensure you get what you need at the guaranteed lowest price. Call or visit the showroom today.