Credentia to Play Key Role in Access Control Solution for Israeli Borders.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1999--

Credentia to fulfill enrollment portion of automated,

biometrics-based access-control solution for Israel border

Credentia, a Datacard Group company, today announced that its plastic card printers, ID software and cameras have been chosen as part of a multi-vendor, biometrics-based identification solution for the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Israeli National Police.

EDS Israel, serving as prime contractor for this project, also engaged the services of On Track Innovations, Oberthur Smart Cards USA, Visionic Corporation, Team Computers and Recognition Systems Inc. to satisfy the overall solution requirements.

The solution, expected to be deployed within a year, combines biometrics, smart chips and other plastic card-based identification technologies to increase safety and efficiency for more than 50,000 individuals who cross the border to Israel each day for work.

"This solution will increase safety for a sensitive and challenging security environment," said Jim Walters, project manager for Credentia. "By requiring a person's hand and facial geometry to match biometric templates stored in a remote database for access, it will be extremely difficult to enter and exit Israeli territory through checkpoints without authorization."

"Plus, since the solution automates a process that used to involve labor-intensive measures, it will make crossing the border much more user-friendly, and much more cost-effective for the Israeli government," Walters said.

Credentia equipment will be used to capture images, encode smart chips, issue ID cards and automatically retrieve demographic data and biometric templates in an ODBC database for automated access acceptance or denial.

"Credentia's role in this high-profile application clearly reflects our leadership position in leveraging the latest identification technology to reach new levels of security and efficiency," Walters said. "It's part of our ongoing commitment to developing technologies that make the world a safer, more convenient place to live and work."

Credential offers identity systems designed to protect people, property and profits in an increasingly digital world. Credentia systems harness the power of smart cards, digital imaging, biometrics, Internet access and other emerging technologies. Solutions include tools for card personalization and identity management, as well as the world's best-selling line of photo ID systems, software and printers. Credentia is a Datacard Group company. Datacard Corporation, doing business as Datacard Group, is privately held and based in Minnetonka, Minn. Datacard Group serves customers in more than 120 countries. (www.credentia.com)