"DATACARD VIANET" DATA RETRIEVAL SOFTWARE INTRODUCED.

DataCard Corporation, Dallas, Texas, has introduced an Internet-based software package that lets authorized users retrieve, view and manipulate information stored on a variety of databases throughout an enterprise. The company debuted the new DataCard(R) ViaNet(TM) data retrieval software at the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) conference in Dallas.

"Most organizations have a wealth of untapped information stored on multiple databases," said Deb Ferril, director of software marketing for DataCard's Enterprise Company. "ViaNet lets authorized users selectively retrieve that information-from any Internet-enabled device-for a wide range of applications."

Because DataCard is a world leader in digital photo ID systems, Ferril expects many of the initial applications to be security- or image-related. Digitized images and demographic data captured during the photo ID process can be stored in a database and retrieved for a variety of applications-including ID verification, online directories and human resources files.

But those applications are just the beginning for ViaNet, according to Ferril.

"For example, service technicians can use ViaNet to retrieve and view a customer's service histories. School administrators can view student records. Facilities managers can view employee demographics and verify access control privileges. Or marketers can track down sales information for a particular product to make pricing or promotion decisions," Ferril said.

"ViaNet provides users with a convenient, cost-effective way to retrieve any type of information that resides on a central database," Ferril said. "Our customers can then use those images and data to make informed business decisions."

Because ViaNet is Internet-based, it does not require a dedicated workstation-and once it's loaded onto an organization's server, users can be added without additional installation steps.

"It's Internet-based, which makes it extremely easy to add new users and download upgrades," Ferril said. "Plus, authorized users can access their databases from any Internet-enabled device. So, users can log on and retrieve information from almost anywhere-including customer sites, satellite offices or their homes."

In addition to the basic ViaNet platform, DataCard is releasing a variety of options_including hardware and software needed to capture photos, compile demographic information, print photo IDs and generate customized reports.

"Our vision is to provide our customers with all the tools they need to collect, retrieve and use critical identity information," Ferril said.

"ViaNet is a flexible and powerful platform that we plan to build on for a long time."

DataCard Corporation, a privately held company based in Minneapolis, Minn., provides customers around the world with fully integrated solutions for a variety of financial, identification and healthcare applications. In addition to turnkey solutions, the company offers complete lines of card personalization systems, digital photo ID systems, photo ID printers and transaction systems. (www.datacard.com)

For more information, call 612.988.1763.