#Laptop with built in smart card reader for free#
#Laptop with built in smart card reader software#

So when thinking about BYOD in defense, a question comes to mind. Therefore, in my opinion, the API integration and DoD certification/approval process could present significant barriers to entry for the competition in this space.

#Laptop with built in smart card reader software#

If new CAC reader manufacturers enter this segment they will likely have their own API, but by then industry support for any new CAC reader would depend upon how willing the same software vendors and app developers are to start the CAC integration process all over again. Presently, many software vendors and app developers are investing time and money to integrate this API into their products.

The baiMobile CAC reader also provides its own API which must be programmatically integrated with any application that wishes to perform a CAC authentication from a mobile device. One may argue that competition may drive down the prices in future but as I would explain next, it may not be so simple. And a single available manufacturer could also be the primary reason behind the high prices for CAC readers. Actually, it would be close to $400 for an iOS device and still over $300 for Android.Р”В«iometric Associates is the only manufacturer who makes this CAC reader ( baiMobileРІвЂћСћ 3000MP Bluetooth Smart Card reader). In the new world of mobile devices however, DoD will have to spend a lot more than just $10 bucks for the smart card reader.

#Laptop with built in smart card reader for free#

In the PC/Desktop world, most computers either come equipped with a slot for CAC or the department would generally provide a USB CAC reader costing around $15 for free of charge. Just like an ATM card, a user is required to physically insert/attach the CAC to a computing device (such as laptop or iPad) and enter a secret pin before that device can gain access to DoD network. The CAC, which comes with a built-in micro chip that stores a PKI security certificate, is also the principal authentication mechanism to enable access to defense computer networks and systems. The Common Access Card (CAC), a DoD issued smart card about the size of a credit card, is the standard photo identification for active-duty military personnel, selected reserve, DoD civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel. However, there is one sector of the economy and not just any sector but the trillion dollar US defense sector where a small device could spell doom for BYOD even before it can take roots.

If employees are willing to buy a device and use it for work, so be it. Even the US Federal Government is paying serious attention to this trend as a potential cost saving measure. In the consumer driven world of mobile computing, it goes without saying that not only the chatter around BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is on the rise but that it is also driving profound changes within organizations around the world.