WALL, N.J., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BIO-key International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BKYI), a leader in finger-based biometric identification and wireless public safety solutions, today announced the release of PocketCop version 3.5 for BlackBerry(R) smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM). PocketCop is BIO-key's industry-leading solution for secure access to federal and state law enforcement and motor vehicles databases from handheld devices. With PocketCop, officers on foot, motorcycle, bike, marine and mounted patrol, as well as investigators and command-level staff, can quickly and easily identify a wanted person or stolen vehicle directly from a BlackBerry smartphone.
PocketCop version 3.5 incorporates important new end-user functionality, as well as software administration enhancements that reduce IT support costs. One of the key, new end-user features available in this latest release is CAD integration, allowing PocketCop users to receive dispatch information directly from the agency's computer-aided dispatch system and send status updates to CAD silently and securely. This scanner-proof automated feature minimizes radio communication between the dispatcher and the officer in the street, which is especially critical in surveillance and undercover operations. It is available at no additional cost to current BIO-key customers with a CAD interface to MobileCop(R), BIO-key's complementary mobile data product for police vehicles.
This new feature was piloted at the St. Paul (MN) Police Department, where, according to Glen Pettit , lead Information Technology Analyst for the Department, "It exceeded every expectation we had. CAD integration allows smartphone users much of the same functionality our officers currently enjoy from laptops via MobileCop."
PocketCop version 3.5 also takes advantage of the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform's built-in web browser to reduce IT administration costs. With "Over- the-Air" deployment, the PocketCop end-user can download and activate the PocketCop thin client application software from any location to make the PocketCop-enabled BlackBerry smartphone fully operational and ready for use in the field. And with automatic software updating, future software enhancements can be installed quickly and easily on all deployed handsets.
"CAD integration on BlackBerry smartphones is a significant advantage to the user agency," noted Michael DePasquale, BIO-key's Chief Executive Officer. "It keeps all of the department's officers and investigators informed and connected. And, with over the air deployment and updates, the savings in man-hours quickly provides a rapid return on investment by keeping IT personnel focused on the rest of the department's needs."
BIO-key is a member of the BlackBerry(R) ISV Alliance program. All BlackBerry smartphone models running BlackBerry(R) device software versions 4.1 through 4.3 have been certified for PocketCop version 3.5.
About BIO-key
BIO-key International, Inc., headquartered in Wall, New Jersey, develops and delivers advanced identification solutions and information services to law enforcement departments, public safety agencies, government and private sector customers. BIO-key's mobile wireless technology provides first responders with critical, reliable, real-time data and images from local, state and national databases. BIO-key's high performance, scalable, cost-effective and easy-to- deploy biometric fingerprint identification technology accurately identifies and authenticates users of wireless and enterprise data to improve security, convenience and privacy and to reduce identity theft. Over 1,000 police departments in North America use BIO-key solutions, making BIO-key the leading supplier of mobile and wireless solutions for law enforcement. (http://www.bio-key.com)
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected on the basis of these statements. The words "estimate," "project," "intends," "expects," "believes" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward- looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For a more complete description of these and other risk factors that may affect the future performance of BIO-key International, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company also undertakes no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
(C) Copyright 2007 by BIO-key International, Inc. Company Contact: BIO-key International, Inc. Bud Yanak 732-359-1100SOURCE BIO-key International, Inc.
