CHERRY, a world-leading manufacturer of computer input devices and switches, and the 2020 Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner for Best Smart Card/Reader Systems, is already thinking about tomorrow today.

Traditionally, the new year is the opportune time for forecasts about the coming months.

Not least because of the turbulent developments in 2020, the outlook for the near future is particularly exciting.

Expecting the unexpected

COVID-19 is influencing the world of work.

It has shown us how quickly paradigms can be thrown overboard: Due to the involuntary mass experiment, “From one day to the next into the home office,” the topic of remote work has undergone a fundamental re-evaluation on the part of both employers and employees.

In addition to the obvious advantages for employees, such as eliminating the need to travel to work, employers have also found in many cases that productivity does not suffer as a result of the absence from the office but has sometimes even increased.

It remains to be said that Remote Work will be an integral part of the working world in the future.

Increased demands – for comfort and security

When working from home becomes even partially standard, the focus shifts to home office equipment.

Ergonomic workstations, which fortunately are already part of the basic equipment in most offices today, will then also become increasingly important and demanded in the home workspace.

Companies will then be increasingly obliged to equip their employees with high-quality work equipment that meets the latest requirements in terms of ergonomics and durability.

This is especially true for input devices – after all, office workers in the U.S. spend a lot of time in front of the computer.

Providers of such ergonomic input devices, such as CHERRY, who also meet the increased demands of IT security, will benefit greatly from this trend.

After all, remote work also involves accessing a company’s network from outside.

In this context, questions of user authentication and the authorization of access are becoming increasingly important.

Input devices are already gateways through which sensitive data can be accessed before other security measures such as firewalls or virus scanners take effect.

It is no coincidence that two-factor authentication is already standard in many applications and is achieved, for example, by using a smart card.

Hybrid input devices, such as keyboards with integrated card readers, will become more and more popular and open up new areas of application.

As true space-saving wonders, CHERRY keyboards, for example, where the card reader is already integrated, meet all the necessary requirements for electronic signatures, authentication, data encryption, and access authorization.

Input devices that have an integrated authentication feature, such as a mouse with a fingerprint sensor, to name just one more example, will become increasingly popular with end-users as well as with companies, government agencies, and institutions.

Changes in society as a whole

Changes that are already noticeable today, but will also prevail in the medium and long term in the world of work, will also become increasingly self-evident in everyday life.

Video chats, for example, which are enjoying increasing popularity in the remote work environment, will also conquer everyday life – not only against the background of forced social distancing.

Due to corona restrictions, those who can only see their loved ones via video call will continue to use this technology much more frequently and more casually than perhaps already today, even after the pandemic measures have been dropped.

This means that the PC will increasingly become an integral part of everyday life, which will raise expectations in terms of resilience, ease of use, and longevity of devices.

Hardware providers will have to adapt to this trend.

The development described above will also lead to the older generations, who may have previously adopted a rather negative attitude towards modern technology, opening up and integrating computer technology into their lives.

In all probability, this new target group will attach particular importance to ergonomically adapted input devices, from which manufacturers such as CHERRY with its ergonomic mice or mice specially designed for left-handed users will benefit greatly.

(Meet the CHERRY MW 4500 computer computer mouse with its particularly ergonomic form is ideal for office or home use and designed to prevent wrist strain. With its contoured shape and 45° angle, you don’t need to place your hand completely flat which results in a more natural hand position, allowing you to work without fatigue and with fewer problems to your wrist and tendons. Courtesy of CHERRY and YouTube.)

Outside of work

While contact and indoor sports are temporarily banned as part of the measures to contain the pandemic, online games and gaming are becoming increasingly popular.

For example, this is demonstrated by Statista’s market outlook for the worldwide development in the video games segment.

For 2020 alone, sales are estimated at around $97,29,000. According to the forecast, a market volume of $106,652,000 will be reached in 2025; this corresponds to expected annual growth in sales of 1.9% (CAGR 2020-2025).

Gamers already swear by CHERRY’s mechanical keyboards and high-precision gaming mice. The Auerbach-based company is also the inventor of the CHERRY MX switches, one of the world’s leading suppliers of switch technology.

(See CHERRY’s diverse selection of current mechanical gaming keyboards. Next to insights on the keyboards themselves, CHERRY also presents a brief overview of the CHERRY MX switches installed inside. Courtesy of CHERRY MX and YouTube.)

End effect

CHERRY is currently experiencing a series of upheavals that are manifesting themselves both in the world of work and in society itself.

Digitization, which has been underway for years, has clearly picked up speed and will continue to do so. New social advancements and tools have become entrenched in our daily lives.

The PC is becoming an even more indispensable part of everyday life and work.

Different groups will have different demands on the devices.

What they all have in common is that, due to more frequent use, aspects such as ergonomics, quality, and durability will become increasingly important.

Manufacturers who have such products in their portfolio will benefit from this trend.

CHERRY Americas Takes Platinum in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is in its Fifth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.

2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC has been canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.

However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’  Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.

CHERRY Americas

Best Smart Card/Reader System

• CHERRY Smart Card Reader Solutions

• CHERRY’s Smart Card Reader portfolio offers a complete system that provides a full set of integrated solutions for government security requirements.

• The system, which includes the CHERRY SmartTerminal ST-1144, the CHERRY SECURE BOARD 1.0 and the KC 1000 allows users to obtain the right device or combination of devices to fulfill their all of their secure data entry requirements.

• The SmartTerminal ST-1144 is durable and robust, and is designed for around 100,000 mating cycles.Today, it is impossible to imagine access control to sensitive areas without smart cards. CHERRY’s SmartTerminal ST-1144 with USB connection supports allows user to protect sensitive data in a straight-forward and reliable way.

• Whether access controls, network logon, or chip card-based internet transactions – the SmartTerminal ST-1144 makes a valuable contribution to protecting sensitive data.

• The Department of Defense has been relying on CHERRY’s smart card terminals for many years.

• SECURE BOARD 1.0: The go-to first step of data security is usually through the use of passwords – which are unfortunately all too easily forgotten, changed too rarely or accidentally disclosed to third parties due to negligence – with all the negative consequences.

• This TAA Compliant security keyboard ensures maximum protection from “BadUSB” attacks via use of a secure mode, meaning that the authenticity of the device is verified on a certificate-based basis, and the key transmission is encrypted.

• The SECURE BOARD 1.0 makes it impossible for hardware keyloggers to access sensitive access data and passwords by blocking the standard keyboard channel, “BadUSB” attacks are a thing of the past: USB sticks that log onto the system as a keyboard cannot inject uncontrolled entries and malicious codes.

• The SECURE BOARD achieves higher security through two-factor authentication using a smart card. As a rule, the terminal with which the card is read out is required when processing smart card data.

• KC 1000: The CHERRY KC 1000 keyboard features an integrated high-quality Smart Card terminal. These reliable and long-life keyboards feature an intelligent and ergonomic design, secure PIN entry, state-of-the art security technology and a USB connection.

• These keyboards are known for long-lasting reliable operation – over 10 million key operations The KC 1000 keyboard is also a leading solution for government security applications.

• *Cherry was also recognized in the 2017 and 2016 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Programs.

Since its foundation in 1953, CHERRY has stood for German quality products designed in Germany and developed specifically for the needs of its customers.

CHERRY brings high quality, passion and design to the world of work, addressing end customers and companies alike who demand high performance, durability and functionality from their computer input devices.

The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Expositions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2019.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please be on the lookout for the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.

It will be your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitgate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

• For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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