Datacard Debuts Smart Card Personalization Manager At Cartes `99.

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 1999--

New server-based solution dramatically simplifies

high-volume and multi-application smart card issuance

Datacard introduced a unique, network-based smart card personalization system today at CARTES '99 that is designed to help card issuers meet the growing demand for high-volume card issuance. The Datacard(R) Smart Card Personalization Manager(TM) allows card issuers to load applications onto smart cards at multiple personalization stations from a single network server.

"Today, card issuers manage multiple card personalization systems and each machine is loaded with its own set of personalization applications," said Bonnie Lervik, senior vice president for Datacard. "Our solution enables card issuers to maintain one central set of smart card objects and applications used in the personalization process and network that central resource to several personalization systems.

"Simplified, centralized management is very important, especially with the increasing demand for multi-application cards" Lervik said. "As card personalization volumes rise, more machines are pressed into service to meet the demand. Having card systems loaded with their own set of applications is just asking for trouble, especially if you need to change or update an application and miss one of the machines. Storing the application for all the systems in a central server is far more efficient and secure."

The new system features a Windows NT operating system, which will simplify development and maintenance for end-users, according to Lervik. "Familiar development tools and an open, flexible architecture are very important to our customers," Lervik said. "That's why we chose Windows NT--it's clearly the industry standard for application development, program execution and support."

The Datacard Smart Card Personalization Manager is an important component of Datacard's new Multi-application Architecture for Personalization (MAP), which was also introduced at CARTES '99. MasterCard, Visa and other scheme providers have praised the MAP process for making multi-application card issuance faster, simpler, more reliable and more secure."

Datacard Group is a diversified technology enterprise comprised of three market-focused divisions. Datacard Worldwide provides financial institutions, retailers, loyalty marketers and service bureaus with the world's best-selling card issuance systems. Credentia creates identity-based systems for corporate, government and education markets. MedAssure offers technologies that help healthcare organizations strengthen customer satisfaction, enhance efficiency and improve patient care. 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.datacard.com)