Unity Software Systems Personnel Create New Java Card Technology Applications for American Express "Code Blue" Contest

Business Wire, May 31, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2001

American Express, Sun Microsystems and Oberthur Card Systems recently announced the winner and finalists of their "Code Blue" contest.

The contest was set up as a challenge to Java developers around the world to create innovative, new smart card applications for potential use on the credit card Blue from American Express.

Three of Unity Software Systems' employees, Dustin Baxter, Rodney West and Thad West, were chosen as finalists in this contest. Their submission was an automatic ticket purchasing application for the movie theater industry. The concept was generated from an idea that would add convenience to the typical Blue Card holder while utilizing the Java Smart Card technology.

The Blue Card member selects his desired movie, theater, show time and number of tickets on the Internet through a Blue compatible provider such as moviefone.com. The card member executes an application on his local PC to load the tickets on to his Blue Card. The card member can then gain access into the theater without having to obtain a paper ticket.

The application will make it quicker and easier for card members to go to the movies.

Thad West explained, "It will save money by drastically reducing the amount of time and material required by the theater to issue tickets."

Theater lines will diminish and Internet vendors, such as moviefone.com will also benefit from this solution, as it will enable them to service their customers in a more efficient manner.

According to Baxter, "The Java powered Smart Card is an essential part of this application because it provides a medium for transporting the ticket purchase information."

The information stored on the card makes it possible to obtain tickets or access to the movie from any correctly equipped device.

When they are not working on a new innovation for the Blue Card, these three are busy creating custom web-based applications that are accessible via a browser or hand-held devices such as the Palm, for Unity Software Systems.

"Were excited that our people have demonstrated their technological powers and personal initiative," said Phil Hartley, president of Unity Software Systems.

Unity Software specializes in providing real business solutions using object-orientated consulting services, component development and software products. Unity Software Systems has offices in Scottsdale and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.