Last November, I published my review of Bloomberg Law, the recently launched legal research service from business news giant Bloomberg. One aspect of the service I did not mention in my review is the odd piece of hardware required to log-in. Whereas other legal research services rely on usernames and passwords, Bloomberg Law requires you to log-in using something it calls the B-Unit, a credit-card sized, biometric fingerprint reader that ensures that you and only you log-in to your Bloomberg Law account.
You can use it to log-in from anywhere you have Web access. After you enter your usual username and password, a screen prompts you for the B-Unit. Turn it on and its asks you to “present finger.” Assuming it recognizes you, an small LCD display says, “ID valid.” You then hold the B-Unit in front of your computer screen. After a few moments, a four-digit verification code appears in its LCD screen. Enter that in the space provided on the log-in screen, and you are good to go.
Below are some pictures. And, by the way, I’m pretty sure “doohickey” is the correct technical term.
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| From Blog Pictures |
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| From Blog Pictures |
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| From Blog Pictures |
Tags: Blawg 100 · Bloomberg Law
2 comments
Ron Friedmann · February 15, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I believe the correct technical term is closer to "dongle". Not sure this fits exactly, but see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongle. Same idea as original dongle when it comes down to it.
JNFerree · February 26, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Any idea what the rent is on this or is it an subscription model?