MINNETONKA, Minn.--July 21, 2006--Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX) announced today that its AFIS-Grade fingerprint algorithm matching technology offering, BioEngine(R) 6, has been confirmed by the latest National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) testing report as meeting or exceeding all of the qualifications of the Minutiae Interoperability Exchange Test (MINEX). Identix also announced that its TouchPrint(TM) Enhanced Definition Series of Live Scan offerings (which includes 13 different products) and its facial quality assurance software for enrollment have been approved by the General Services Administration (GSA) for use within any Personal Identity Verification (PIV) program. The two certifications allow Identix to compete for federal agency biometric procurements associated with the implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD12), which is expected to be rolled out across the federal government by October 27 of this year.
Identix President & CEO Dr. Joseph J. Atick commented, "We believe receiving MINEX certification from NIST for Identix' fingerprint algorithm and approval from the GSA for our enrollment solutions comprising of live scan, photo capture and standards formatting and transmission software, further validates Identix as the world's leading provider of multi-biometric technology and identity management solutions. As agencies gear up for PIV-related purchases, they can rest assured of our commitment to providing a solution that not only addresses the requirement, but does so in a way that lowers risk and makes the implementation process easier. We are very excited with this approval from the GSA as it positions Identix to be able to provide biometric-based identity management solutions to the federal Government for this very important program.
HSPD12 and FIPS201 call for all federal government employees and contractors to undergo a fingerprint background check as a precursor to being issued an interoperable PIV smart card that would grant secure access to designated buildings and information technology infrastructure across the federal government. Analysts estimate that at least 7 million Federal employees and Contractors will receive a PIV card.
"Identix already has a very strong presence in the federal space, with customers including multiple agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and many others," Atick continued. "These certifications from GSA and NIST, combined with our top tier performance earlier this year in NIST's AFIS matching testing and our recently introduced live scan product targeted at customers with dual requirements for slap and roll fingerprinting in a very small and lightweight form factor (6 inch by 6 inch and less than five pounds), positions Identix very well to continue to deliver industry leading products and solutions into the federal government, as well as into numerous additional markets. We expect the consummation of our pending merger with Viisage Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:VISG) to further enhance this positioning, with the combined company able to offer a true end to end customer solution: from enrollment, to credentialing, to verification, as well as ancillary support and services."
Identix, BioEngine and TouchPrint are trademarks or registered trademarks of Identix Incorporated in the United States and other countries.
More information on Identix can be accessed via the Company web site at http://www.identix.com.
