AUSTIN, Texas -- Cyber and border security champion Congressman Lamar Smith met with executives of Axalto Inc. at its U.S. headquarters, for a briefing on the company's smart card-based identity technology used in government initiatives to heighten U.S. security.
"Congressman Smith had an opportunity to familiarize himself with our technology first-hand. This is a very exciting visit, given Axalto's presence in Texas and our large role in the government's use of smart cards," said Neville Pattinson, director of Business Development, Technology and Government Affairs for Axalto. "Congressman Smith has a keen interest in understanding the implications of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12. He is a strong advocate for heightened border security and he also wants to ensure the advancement of policies designed to promote the tech industry." HSPD 12 mandates a common ID credential for all government employees and contractors within 2005.
Axalto Inc. is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Axalto Holdings N.V. Axalto is engaged in all the major smart card initiatives for the U.S. federal government including the FBI, Department of Defense, Interior, Treasury and Veteran's Affairs. Axalto has provided more than 5.7 million smart cards to the Department of Defense Common Access Card program. It also provides smart card technology to the Registered Traveler pilot program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and was recently awarded a contract by the U.S. Government Printing Office to qualify it's smart card technology for the electronic passport program.
Austin is the U.S. headquarters and worldwide center for Axalto ID cards. Axalto manufactures cards for the U.S. market in its Owings Mills facility just outside Washington, DC. The total number of smart cards shipped in North America exceeded 100 million units in 2004; the region is outpacing the rest of the world in annual growth.
Last year, Congressman Smith was chosen to be a member of the new Select Committee on Homeland Security. He has been recognized by the National Journal as one of the 100 most influential people in Washington, D.C. In 2002, the Business Software Alliance honored him with its Cyber Champion Award for his leadership on high-tech issues. He has represented the residents of the 21st Congressional District since 1987.
