Fujitsu has created a palm-scanning device that uses biometrics to provide security for critical systems. In general, the high-tech industry is conflicted about biometrics. The industry knows that passwords do not provide enough protection and that a unique authentication factor is required for each system user. However, biometrics have not met expectations and so companies hesitate to deploy the technology. The use of venous palm scanning represents a new development in the field of biometrics that could create a resurgence of interest among enterprises. Fujitsu's PalmSecure uses the new method, and it may be a worthwhile security product for companies that need a nearly unstoppable two-factor authentication. The PalmSecure works by reading the response of near-infrared light bouncing off an individual's palm. Deoxidized hemoglobin absorbs the infrared beam, and a map of the veins in the hand is created. Veins are displayed at a different density than the rest of the hand. The accuracy rate of the device is greater than 99 percent, according to Fujitsu. There is a false positive rate of 0.00007 percent and a false negative rate of 0.00004 percent. The palm scanning method is less susceptible to the effects of injuries and aging than competing technologies. Additionally, the scanner does not require that a palm actually touch its surface, which makes it less prone to effects from smudging or dirt. Fujitsu is the only vendor examining the palm-based venous scanning approach. Other firms are working on finger venous scanning and hand topology verification.