RSA to test new Web authentication service

[mandy]

Looking for a way to get its security gadgets into the hands of average consumers, RSA Security plans to test a new Web authentication service.

The security company's new RSA Authentication Service is designed to let consumers securely access multiple Web sites using a single RSA security credential, such as the company's password-generating hardware tokens. RSA plans to test the service starting next month with four financial services companies

... RSA is betting that consumers are now prepared to pay for a higher level of security and that banks and other online businesses will sign up for its service..

http://news.com.com/RSA+to+test+new+Web+...ag=cd.lede

[bargainbloodhound]

Its a good alternative to using passwords, but how many consumers will be willing to spend money to use the service/buy the hardware and how many smaller online merchants will be able to afford to implement this system on their sites?