RISMEDIA, Feb. 15, 2007-Clareity Security has announced a new authenticator choice among its lineup of device options for SAFEMLS® and other strong authentication solutions. TEXT-pass® is a patented new technology that delivers one-time passwords to the end-user's mobile phone as a text (or SMS) message.
The technology behind TEXT-pass has been proven for years in Europe and includes a deep integration of the SAFEMLS solution with the global SMS network infrastructure, which enables the password delivery to be extremely fast and reliable across all major cell phone carriers in North America. TEXT-pass is available to the real estate, mortgage, title, and settlement services industries exclusively from Clareity Security.
TEXT-pass was put to use "live in the field" in January, 2007 by the Pinellas Realtor® Organization (PRO), a customer of Clareity Security's SAFEMLS product. PRO members currently use the keychain-sized SAFEMLS token device to generate one-time passwords for MLS access. TEXT-pass users requested passwords via text message instead of using the token device.
According to Ann Guiberson, CEO of PRO, "It is exciting to be involved with Clareity Security's innovative new product with the goal of bringing more choices to our members. A good percentage of our participating members enjoyed using TEXT-pass and plan to use it for the long-term. Clareity Security's CEO, Gregg Larson stated, "We are thrilled about the market potential for TEXT-pass. It was our goal to build an authenticator that was convenient and simple enough for consumer use and thanks to American Idol, MTV and our children teaching us, text messaging is now main stream."
With the surge in the use of text messaging technology, SMS emerged as the perfect medium to deliver one-time passwords to virtually any cell phone or wireless device. Larson added, "It is a true a zero-footprint solution with nothing to distribute or install and the user can self-enroll for the service and be up and running in just a minute or two."
End-users who have used TEXT-pass agreed. Michael Bindman, broker/owner for Bindman Bruzas Realty in St. Petersburg, Florida reported, ""I am extremely satisfied with the TEXT-pass option. The opportunity to have everything combined in one device makes life so much more convenient."
Leslie Nink, broker/owner of Waterfront Realty Sales, Inc. in Redington Shores, FL added, "I LOVE this method. I always have my phone with me. The response is always quick…"
TEXT-pass is available as a convenience option or upgrade to the token for a reasonable annual fee. Many agents and brokers find it an excellent alternative to the token device that is equally well-suited for today's mobile real estate professional. In a February 1, 2007 survey of TEXT-pass users, single device convenience and the fact that a Realtor always has their cell phone with them were cited as the primary reasons for choosing TEXT-pass. Many users also preferred to stay with the SAFEMLS key-fob token, proving that offering users a choice of authenticators is the best solution.
In addition to broadening the selection of device options for SAFEMLS customers, TEXT-pass has far-reaching applicability to other real estate systems and in other industries that want true two-factor authentication, mobile convenience, and ease of use in a security solution.
For more information, visit http://www.clareitysecurity.com.
