18 September, 2003
category: Biometrics, Education
Bundle Enhances Security and Expands Card Data Storage at Low Cost
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ – ASIS Conference – ImageWare
Systems, Inc. (Amex: IW) and Datastrip today jointly announced the integration
of Datastrip’s 2D Superscript bar code symbology with ImageWare’s EPI Suite(R)
secure credentialing software and EPI Builder(TM) software developer’s kit
(SDK). The integration of Datastrip’s 2D Superscript bar code provides
ImageWare customers the ability to add biometrics, photos and text to ID
badges for enhanced security without enlargement of the bar code or the
expense of deploying a smart chip.
ImageWare’s EPI Suite secure credentialing software is used to design,
manage and produce secure identification cards for government, education,
healthcare, public venue, public safety, retail and other markets.
ImageWare’s EPI Builder SDK enables programmers to develop custom
identification solutions or incorporate sophisticated identification
capabilities into existing applications.
Datastrip’s 2D symbology can store 2,800 bytes of data, including one or
two biometric templates, digitized color or grayscale photographs, and/or
encrypted biographical information and signatures, in a bar code that is
approximately the size of a magnetic stripe. That is twice the capacity of
other 2D bar codes in one-third the footprint, with no sacrifice in error
correction. In addition, biometrics and photographs can be easily
incorporated without the programming required by competing systems.
“The integration of our 2D Superscript symbology into ImageWare’s
identification solutions will enable ImageWare users to execute robust new
card projects as well as upgrade existing projects quickly, easily and
cost-effectively,” said Chuck Lynch, Datastrip Vice President of Sales and
Marketing. “By using our bar code system to add biometrics and/or encrypted
photographs, personal information or passwords, card makers can safeguard
their clients against tampering, identity theft and other security threats
without increasing their cost per card.”
Use of Datastrip’s technology ensures that no one can successfully
impersonate the legitimate cardholder because the bar code cannot be altered
without disabling the encoded information. Implementation is a fraction of
the cost of other solutions due to inexpensive setup and deployment as well as
the ability to print the bar code with any card printer or standard 300 dpi
laser printer.
“Governments, companies and other ID badge users today are requiring more
and more information on each badge to ensure accurate verification of the
cardholder’s identity,” said Joe Schuler, President of ImageWare’s ID
Solutions Division. “Datastrip’s technology offers a low-cost, easy-to-use
solution that will equip our customers, system integrators and OEMs with new
tools to ensure card authenticity and combat identity fraud.”
Identity verification on ID badges using Datastrip bar codes can be
performed with either Datastrip’s DSVerify2D or PCRead2D reader. The
DSVerify2D is the first handheld biometric ID card reader capable of decoding
fingerprints, text and photographs with one swipe, and can operate either in a
stand-alone configuration or as part of a PC-based solution. The PCRead2D is a
PC-based card scanner that is roughly the size of a pocket calculator,
conserving valuable real estate at the workstation.
About Datastrip
Datastrip is a leading provider of 2D bar code software, hardware and
biometric verification devices, including the 2D Superscript high-density bar
code Software Developers Kit (SDK); the DSVerify2D handheld integrated bar
code, smart card, passport and fingerprint reader; and the PCRead2D reader for
decoding 2D bar codes on a PC. Datastrip and its integration partners provide
total solutions for production of ID cards, passports, national ID cards,
driver’s licenses, voter registration cards, health cards, financial cards,
birth certificates and other identity documents, as well as biometric
verification systems. For more information, visit http://www.datastrip.com .
About ImageWare Systems
ImageWare Systems, Inc. (Amex: IW) is the leading developer of digital
imaging, identification and workflow management software solutions that cater
to a variety of global markets including corporate, government, law
enforcement, professional photography, aviation, transportation, education and
healthcare, among others. ImageWare technologies enable people to capture
accurate data including text, digital images and biometric minutia; associate
data to a common database record; incorporate digital workflow into back-end
processes; and provide just-in-time access to database information through PC,
Web-based, wireless or data sharing platforms. Founded in 1987, ImageWare is
headquartered in San Diego, with offices in Canada, Europe and Asia. For more
information visit http://www.iwsinc.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to
the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. While these statements are meant to convey to the public the
company’s progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management’s opinion.
While management believes such representation to be true and accurate based on
the information available to the company, actual results may differ materially
from those described. The company’s operations and business prospects are
always subject to risks and uncertainties. Important facts that may cause
actual results to differ are set forth in the company’s periodic filings with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Chuck Lynch of Datastrip, +1-610-594-6130,
[email protected] , or Joyce Chang of ImageWare Systems,
+1-858-673-8600 ext. 133, [email protected]