HID Expands iCLASS Product Family with GSC-Compliant Contactless Smart Card Readers That Meets U.S. Government Interoperability Standards

Business Wire, Jan 18, 2005

IRVINE, Calif. -- Smart Card Reader Creates a Standards-Based Platform That Outputs Federal Agency Smart Credential Number in Multiple Configurations Meeting Standard Communication Protocol

HID, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, today announced additions to their iCLASS(R) product family that comply with the United States Government Smart Card Interoperability Specifications (GSC-IS) and the low and medium assurance profiles of the Technical Implementation Guidance Specification.

The new iCLASS GSC-compliant readers are designed specifically for U.S. government agencies and contractors adopting contactless smart card technology to meet government standard communication protocols established to create an open system environment that allow all compliant cards and readers to communicate with existing and new access control systems from virtually any manufacturer. A key feature is the readers' ability to output Federal Agency Smart Credential Numbers (FASC-N), the primary identification string to be used on all U.S. government-issued credentials, in multiple Wiegand output configurations.

Now available in HID's popular iCLASS reader models R10, R30, R40, and RK40 reader with keypad configurations. In addition to reading a government-compliant card, these versatile new readers also simultaneously read HID-standard iCLASS technology cards. This allows for an easier transition for existing iCLASS installations to become fully government-compliant in the future without the need to reinstall card readers or replace cards.

"This extension of the iCLASS product line is representative of HID's long-standing commitment to the U.S. government market. We have a well-earned reputation for providing HID customers with a clear migration path for adopting the latest technologies while meeting challenging new industry standards, specifications, and guidelines," said Eric Widlitz, HID's manager for Government Technology and Applications. "Our team has extensive industry experience providing access control to OEMs and integrators with the ability to integrate next-generation technology readers while maintaining backward compatibility with existing systems."

HID's new iCLASS GSC-compliant readers are available now. Interested parties are asked to contact Eric Widlitz at 203-407-5930 or ewidlitz@hidcorp.com.

To download a high-resolution photo of the product, please go to: http://www.hidcorp.com/press/hid_GSC_readers.jpg.> Note to editors: Additional technical details and photos available upon request.

About HID Corp.

HID is the premier global supplier of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry. With over 200 million credentials (cards, fobs and keys) in use worldwide, HID leads the industry in 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz RFID card and reader technology for a wide range of applications including access control, IT secure authentication, time and attendance, digital cash/cashless vending, automotive vehicle identification, and biometric verification. HID's award-winning product line includes iCLASS(R) 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards and readers, 125 kHz proximity, magnetic stripe, and Wiegand technology cards and readers. The company also provides specialized card manufacturing services including custom pre-printed graphics, microprinting and anti-counterfeiting elements, holograms or ultraviolet ink for increased card security. HID has headquarters in Irvine, with international offices supporting more than 100 countries. The company is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group. To learn more, please visit www.hidcorp.com.

HID and iCLASS(R) are registered trademarks of HID Corp. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.