Bio ID and I/O Software Inc. Collaborate to Integrate Fingerprint Verification Technology for VPNs, Network Security, Electronic Commerce and Secure Web Site Access, File Encryption and More.

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 1998--Biometric Identification (Bio ID) CEO Bob Kamm has announced that his firm finished collaborating with I/O Software Inc. (I/O Software) to integrate Bio ID's ridge recognition algorithms and silicon fingerprint verification sensor technology with I/O Software's Biometric Application Programming Interface (BAPI).

Bio ID has integrated I/O Software's SecureSuite product with its Veriprint 1000/11000 fingerprint systems. SecureSuite is a 3-in-1 software package that provides a suite of biometric security applications for Microsoft Windows 95/98, which include logon, screensaver unlocking, file and folder encryption, and a password bank utility. SecureSuite will also provide support for smart cards using readers compatible with the Microsoft PC/SC standard.

"Our shared technology provides a highly secure authorization and verification scheme which will safeguard access to Internet, intranets, local area networks, electronic commerce, VPNs and other sensitive data applications," Kamm said.

"We are very pleased," said William Saito, president of I/O Software. "The Veriprint technology adds another dimension to the products we can offer our customers. The combination of I/O Software and Bio ID products provides enterprise customers insurance that their corporate assets and confidential information are well protected.

"We're teaming with Bio ID because they are at the forefront of silicon sensor integration and offer ridge recognition algorithms that could set the standard for the next century."

Bio ID has developed the first completely standalone silicon sensor-based verification unit, with a form factor about the size of a business card. This compact form factor is a perfect fit for many of the company's customer applications, ranging from Smart Cards to BIOS Boot-up protection.

I/O Software Inc. is the leading developer of software applications and device drivers for biometric devices used in a wide array of architectures and platforms. More information about the company is available at www.iosoftware.com.

With headquarters in Sherman Oaks, Biometric Identification (http://www.biometricid.com) is an innovator in creating and applying fingerprint authorization and verification technology. The firm is a subsidiary of Arete Associates, a highly focused Department of Defense think-tank, which specializes in sophisticated image analysis of satellite and high-altitude-derived visual imagery.