While the dorm access system used by Penn State is efficient, it isn't exactly the latest technology as the article "Dorm access involves latest technology" (Feb. 4 article) asserts.

The article itself states that Penn State has been using door access readers since 1989. In the world of technology, that's a lifetime.

Now, biometrics (technology that identifies people by fingerprints, eyes,and other physical characteristics) is seeing its first wave of commercial use.

Even though this technology might seem too far in the future (a la Minority Report) to most of us, one university has already utilized this technology.

Johnson and Wales University in Denver uses fingerprint identification for access to three dorms and several academic buildings.

Biometrics are also starting to be used in other public functions. ING Direct uses digital fingerprints in their banks, a hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is using them to identify their doctors, Sunmaid and Krispy Kreme are using them for employee clock-in and -out, and it is soon to be used in the Manhattan Plaza, one of New York's largest apartment complexes.

As it turns out, card swiping is already starting to be phased out as identification and I wouldn't be surprised to see biometics employed at Penn State on one of my visits back as an alumnus.