Sagem and Iridian: Strategic Alliance in Biometrics Security

Business Wire, Feb 28, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2003

Sagem, the world leader in fingerprint identification Systems and Iridian Technologies, Inc., the world leader in the authentication technologies based on iris recognition, today announced the signature of a strategic agreement by which Sagem will adapt and integrate in its biometric identification systems the iris recognition technology developed by Iridian Technologies, Inc. With this agreement, Sagem will benefit from the "Proof Positive" certification program which guarantees the interoperability and scalability of the iris identification solutions developed by Iridian.

Sagem will thus complete its solutions for application in government and public safety (fraud prevention, ID and driving licenses, access control, law enforcement ...) by adding iris recognition to its technology portfolio.

"I am convinced that the unique and well established expertise of Sagem in the design and deployment of very large biometric identification systems will provide a dramatic acceleration to the widespread usage of iris recognition in identification," said Frank Fitzsimmons, Chief Executive Officer, Iridian Technologies, Inc.

"Sagem is very pleased with this agreement," said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Sagem Senior Vice-President - Managing Director, Security Division, "as it extends and completes our identification product offering. The fingerprint recognition technology is one of the most reliable and high performing solutions, especially for the management of very large databases. The addition of the iris recognition technology, renowned as one of the best biometrics, will enable to develop multibiometric solutions with unequalled performance. Thus, we will significantly widen our offer to meet the new requirements of the market, always more demanding in terms of performance and security."

Groupe SAGEM is an internationally based high-technology group. The second largest French group in the field of telecommunications, the third European Company in electronics for defence and security and the world leader in fingerprint-based biometrics, SAGEM maintains a presence in more than 20 countries. For more information, please consult the SAGEM web site: www.sagem.com

Iridian Technologies, Inc. of Moorestown, NJ leads the world in research, development and marketing of authentication technologies based on iris recognition - renowned as one of the most accurate biometric identifiers. Holder of exclusive US and international patents on the core concepts and technologies behind iris recognition, Iridian offers unparalleled security for public-use applications such as simplified passenger travel and border control, restricted access and information access. For more information, visit www.iridiantech.com.