Bayer Innovation showcases PhenoStor at the 'Security 2006''exhibition in Essen, a new system based on holographic data storage that promises ultimate data security. Looking to find a solution that offers a larger storage capacity and greater security, Bayer has succeeded in writing data holographically into a plastic. This process provides an extremely high protection against unauthorized access to the stored data and prevents it being tampered with or copied.

The material used is resistant to electromagnetic fields and water, and also withstands everyday mechanical stresses. This makes PhenoStor particularly suitable for use in passes and for product protection applications.

A further impressive feature of PhenoStor storage material is its exceptional storage density of over 3 Mbit/mm². This means that in future it will be possible to store several megabytes of data on a PhenoStor card the size of a standard credit card. The medium can be used to store large amounts of confidential personal data. In contrast to conventional systems, this data remains with the person in question, preventing potential misuse. The biometric data saved on the card are aligned with the presented data e. g. iris-biometry of the person to verify.

The pass system is already in daily use with a number of consumers and there are plans to expand installation of the technology ? which covers cards, reading devices and recording units.

PhenoStor is a platform technology with a wide range of possible applications. For example, developers are also working on designs for product protection applications, in particular the integration of open and closed (i.e. visible and invisible) security features for items such as medications.