CARMEL, IN--(Marketwired) - Organizations wanting to utilize Near Field Communications- (NFC-) enabled smartphones as their access control credentials for employees and students will be able to begin the transition through the use of aptiQmobile technology. Ingersoll Rand will be adding exclusive technologies that enable a secure peer-to-peer (P2P) NFC mode, letting organizations begin providing the convenience of using a mobile device instead of a key or badge ID. aptiQmobile will be available on Android NFC-enabled phones regardless of choice of carriers and will also work on unlocked phones. For the Apple iPhone, Ingersoll Rand will offer a case as an additional option in order to NFC-enable it.

"Our peer-to-peer solution provides several advantages. It makes aptiQmobile independent of any carrier, creating a universal solution, and it even works on unlocked phones. But, for many, its most important advantage is that it lets customers across multiple market segments from higher education to commercial offices deploy," says Raj Venkat, Ingersoll Rand vice president of readers and credentials. 

In NFC pilot programs at Villanova University and the University of San Francisco, users enclosed their iPhones in a unique case to create the NFC capabilities. University of San Francisco students have embraced the mobile approach preferring the convenience of using their phones to digging for their One Cards. Villanova University has found that using smartphones as badges saves time that can be better spent on other issues.

Students and employees will be able to use Android phones as well, without the need for this unique case. Employees in a current trial at the corporate campus of Heartland Payment Systems are using Android NFC-enabled smartphones and aptiQmobile for access control.

With the launch of aptiQmobile secure peer-to-peer technology, customers who are ready will be able to begin the transition soon. For those already using aptiQ? readers, there is no need to replace readers. aptiQ readers can work with magnetic stripe, proximity, and smart cards as well as the aptiQmobile credential all in one reader, providing an easy migration path to upgrade credentials between any of those versions at their own pace. This also makes it easy for customers to continue to operate in a hybrid world of cards and mobile if needed.

More information on using smart phones as an access control credential is available at www.aptiQmobile.com.

About Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR) advances the quality of life by creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands -- including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® -- work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; secure homes and commercial properties; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies' market-leading products include electronic and biometric access control systems; time-and-attendance and personnel scheduling systems; mechanical locks; portable security; door closers, exit devices, architectural hardware, and steel doors and frames; and other technologies and services for global security markets. Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies is part of the security businesses identified to become part of Allegion, the $2 billion independent, standalone, publicly-held security company to be created upon separation from Ingersoll Rand. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com or securitytechnologies.ingersollrand.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution downloadable photograph of a smart phone with aptiQmobile can be found at www.brighamscully.com. Click to Photo Downloads/Ingersoll Rand. You can use one of two photographs: aptiQmobile 1 or aptiQmobile 2.

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