Keywords: fingerprint, login, windows, wbf, biometric, framework

WBF comprises of a set of services and interfaces which support the consistent development and management of biometric devices such as fingerprint readers.

WBF enables client applications to capture, compare, manipulate, and store biometric data without having direct access to the biometric hardware or samples. The Windows Biometric Service runs in the security context of Local System and is hosted in a privileged SVCHOST process.

It also enhances the reliability and compatibility with biometric services and drivers and allows device developers to interact with the client side of the framework that supports each biometric solution.

The WBF was initially implemented on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 and now its available on all Windows OS. WBF provides a common-management platform for all fingerprint readers thus creating a mass-market opportunity and making biometrics solution quite easily available to consumers.

It also provides Group Policy Settings for enabling, disabling or limiting the biometric data usage for a local computer or domain.

Prior to the implementation of integrated Windows fingerprint login using WBF, different fingerprint readers had its own set of proprietary solutions leading to increased cost, incompatibility issues and reduced user satisfaction. Windows integrated fingerprint login through WBF has been able to overcome all these disadvantages by providing a standard platform for fingerprint readers leading to a consistent user experience. This has also improved the scalability and availability of this biometric technology.