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IBM Joins Forces with ActivCard, Bioscrypt, ImageWare and VeriSign to Develop New Identity Management Security Solution; New System Helps Protects Data, Assets and Property
ARMONK, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Oct. 6, 2004 -- IBM and four business partners today announced a major breakthrough in identity management with a new security system designed to help businesses and government agencies protect their data, computer systems and facilities from unauthorized users.
This new system was created by IBM in association with ActivCard, Bioscrypt, ImageWare and VeriSign. Using IBM's Tivoli identity management software and solutions from the other companies, the new system extends ID management beyond traditional information technology such as applications, operating systems and networks to link "physical" identity characteristics contained in emerging biometrics, smartcard and badge-reader technologies. It is designed to be incorporated into the basic processes that businesses and agencies use in their day-to-day operations to add additional layers of authentication and authorization.
Thus, organizations can simultaneously protect their "logical" assets - data, applications and IT networks -- with their physical assets such as buildings, workplaces and grounds. Until now, companies only offered ID-management systems that protected logical and physical assets on a limited scale. Today's announcement is particularly important to government agencies and businesses the new, easy-to-use system can accommodate huge volumes of organizational users.
Identity management is considered so critical that the White House recently issued a Homeland Security Presidential Directive establishing "a mandatory, Government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification issued by the Federal Government to its employees and contractors."
However, integrating secure identity and authentication can be extremely complex, costly and time consuming. It is further complicated as companies add or subtract workers, devices, workplace locations, partners or vendors. In each case, passwords and other protective processes - known as "touch" points - are needed for different layers of access, adding to the complexity.
The approach by IBM and its business partners helps simplify this by integrating various tools, technologies and consulting services. The result is a system that helps control and protect virtually every aspect of ID-management, from data, computers and networks to employee badges, door locks and security cameras.
Secure identity technology has emerged as a crucial mechanism for absolute verification of an individual's identity. According to IDC, the worldwide market for identity management software alone will increase 46 percent annually, reaching $4 billion by 2007.
"The value of this solution is its simplicity," said Kent Blossom, director, IBM Safety and Security Services. "We're helping transform complex, manual processes into an integrated, easy-to-manage workflow. This solution helps eliminate many of the confusing technology choices and complicated business processes in use today. It provides a single platform to help customers' fulfill their logical and physical-access needs."
The new system announced today is on display at IBM's Institute for Electronic Government in Washington, D.C. and adds to IBM's Government Security Consulting practice portfolio. This group harnesses IBM's security consultants, IT services, hardware and software solutions and IBM Research expertise to deliver innovative security solutions worldwide.
About ActivCard
ActivCard is a global provider of strong authentication and trusted digital identity solutions for secure remote access, single sign-on and enterprise access cards. ActivCard's scalable systems and strong authentication solutions are deployed by organizations, from enterprises to governments, around the world. ActivCard provides organizations with industry-specific solutions offering increased security, reduced cost, and user convenience. The modular product design allows customers to add capabilities as required, preserving their investment. Headquartered in Fremont, California, ActivCard has sales and service centers in more than seven countries. For more information, contact rschultz@activcard.com or go to www.activcard.com.
About Bioscrypt Inc.
Bioscrypt Inc. is a leading provider of identity verification technology. The Company's solutions combine the convenience of touch with the high security of fingerprint-based biometrics for simple and secure access to facilities, equipment and information. Using the "bioscrypt on board(TM)" brand, the Company offers packaged products, OEM components and software licensing to leading security solution manufacturers and integrators worldwide for physical, wireless and network security applications. Bioscrypt offers biometric verification technology that is interoperable between a range of fingerprint capture devices. A single enrollment can be used for the full lifecycle of a user's relationship with their organization. Among the many leading edge companies and partners using Bioscrypt technology are the U.S. Army, NASA, American Express, the New York Police Department, Kronos, NATO, Continental Airlines, Intel, Atmel, HID Corporation, Honeywell and Northern Computers. Bioscrypt's patented technology is interoperable with leading fingerprint sensors and is both platform and operating system independent. Bioscrypt is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BYT. For more information, visit the Bioscrypt Web site at www.bioscrypt.com.
About IBM Business Consulting Services
With consultants and professional staff in more than 160 countries, IBM Business Consulting Services is the world's largest consulting services organization. IBM Business Consulting Services provides clients with business process, enterprise optimization and industry expertise, and the ability to translate those capabilities into integrated, flexible, on demand business solutions that deliver bottom-line business value. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/bcs.
About ImageWare
ImageWare Systems, Inc. (AMEX:IW) is a global leader in identity management solutions, providing biometric, secure credential, law enforcement and digital imaging technologies. Scalable for worldwide deployment, the Company's biometric product line includes a multi-biometric engine that is hardware and algorithm independent, enabling the enrollment and management of unlimited population sizes. ImageWare's identification products are used to manage and issue secure credentials including national IDs, passports, driver licenses, smart cards and access control credentials. ImageWare's digital booking products provide law enforcement with integrated mug shot, fingerprint Livescan and investigative capabilities. The Company also provides comprehensive digital workflow solutions for the professional photography industry. ImageWare is headquartered in San Diego, with offices in Canada, Germany and Singapore. For more information visit www.iwsinc.com.
About VeriSign
VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) delivers intelligent infrastructure services that make the Internet and telecommunications networks more reliable and secure. Every day VeriSign helps thousands of businesses and millions of consumers conduct commerce and communications with confidence. Additional news and information about the company is available at http://www.verisign.com/.
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