GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 4 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been named the Biometrics Systems Integrator "Company of the Year" by Frost and Sullivan, recognizing the Corporation's leadership in developing innovative biometrics solutions for a wide range of customers. Frost and Sullivan based the award on a rigorous analysis of the worldwide biometrics marketplace, including factors such as customer satisfaction, industry leadership, growth and performance.
"Biometrics is an increasingly important component of our government customers' ability to apply 'smart power' in addressing today's global security challenges," said Linda Gooden, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services. "We're honored to have been selected for this prestigious award, and proud to support the law enforcement, homeland security and defense communities with leading-edge biometrics solutions."
As part of its rigorous selection process, Frost and Sullivan interviewed executives from across government and industry, measured growth and performance of biometrics market participants, and evaluated marketing and public relations efforts. Frost and Sullivan analysts then ranked each company according to pre-established criteria.
"Lockheed Martin has been able to maintain commendable growth in the biometrics market by virtue of well-planned, growth-oriented strategies," noted Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst Neelima Sagar. "This award recognizes Lockheed Martin's pioneering ability in developing a strong brand name and innovative technologies all while capturing a leading global market position. To enhance its service offerings and strengthen its market position, the company continuously partners and teams up with many organizations."
Lockheed Martin is the lead industry partner for several major government biometrics initiatives. Most recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) awarded the company the Next Generation Identification (NGI) program, which will expand the fingerprint capacity of the Bureau's current identification system and add in new capability: palm prints, iris and facial recognition. Lockheed Martin also is the prime contractor for the Transportation Security Administration's Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, which equips vetted maritime workers who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports and vessels with biometric credentials.
The award will be presented at the Frost and Sullivan Best Practices Award Banquet, April 8, 2009, in San Antonio.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
