Sagem Morpho Demonstrates Superiority in NIST Test of Fingerprint Match-On-Card Algorithms

Business Wire, Feb 19, 2008

"Most Accurate Match-On-Card Implementation" Says NIST Report

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- On February 7, 2008 the Information Access Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the results of the Minutiae Interoperability Exchange Test (MINEX) II Performance of Fingerprint Match-On-Card (MOC) Algorithms. The Sagem MOC performance was reported by NIST to be the "most accurate Match-On-Card implementation" of all participants and the only one to meet the standards for use in federal programs such as the U.S. Government's PIV and TWIC programs.

"Our Match-On-Card algorithms not only exceed the MOC requirements for programs like PIV and TWIC, but also surpass the performance of most PIV compliant match on device solutions," said Consuelo Bangs, FIPS 201 Program Manager at SMI. "SMI's MOC algorithms were more than twice as accurate as the other submissions, while providing unrivalled interoperability."

The results of two months of rigorous NIST MINEX II testing clearly illustrate the superior accuracy, speed and interoperability of the Sagem fingerprint Match-On-Card algorithms. Sagem algorithms already exhibited first-rate interoperability and performance in the MINEX I (match on device) test of 2004. The full NIST MINEX I and II reports are available at http://fingerprint.nist.gov/minex04/ and http://fingerprint.nist.gov/minexII/minex_report.pdf respectively.

As testament to exceptional interoperability, SMI's MOC algorithms achieved very low error rates. Regardless of which of the 19 approved manufacturers created the reference template, the Sagem MOC matcher was able to successfully perform the match with a 1% or less error rate. Sagem's algorithms, submitted on a Sagem Orga card for testing, are even more impressive in that they can be implemented on any provider's card.

The success of SMI's algorithms in the NIST testing proves that the high level of privacy and security as laid out in federal programs like PIV and TWIC can be achieved in a MOC implementation.

About Sagem Morpho Inc.

Sagem Morpho Inc., a U.S. company, provides biometric solutions to the U.S. and Canadian government and commercial markets in law enforcement, border control, access control and ID management. A trailblazer in the design and development of large fingerprint identification systems, SMI offers multi-biometric platforms that include fingerprint, palm print, and facial and iris recognition. SMI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sagem Securite, the Paris-based international biometrics company recognized as the world leader in biometric systems. SMI is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington with offices in Washington DC, New York and Texas.

For more information: www.morpho.com

About Sagem Securite

Sagem Securite is a high-technology company in the SAFRAN Group. Among the leading European security systems companies, it is present in four main areas: biometric systems, where it is the worldwide leader in fingerprint-based biometrics; secure terminals for access control, payments and gaming; road safety equipment and smart cards. Its products and integrated systems are used worldwide, helping to ensure transport safety, data and personal security and governmental safety capabilities at the highest level. Through the SAFRAN Group, Sagem Securite is present on all continents.

For more information: www.sagem-securite.com

About Sagem Orga

Sagem Orga is one of the pioneers and world leaders in the smart card sector. It leverages cutting-edge technologies to realize the visions of boundless mobile communication and integrated digital security. In the telecommunications sector, Sagem Orga's customers include the largest wireless carriers around the world. Millions of people benefit from its in-depth know-how and tailor-made solutions for GSM, CDMA and UMTS. In the field of digital security, Sagem Orga protects the identity of citizens worldwide and secures electronic communications among government agencies, citizens and enter-prises. As a smart card expert, the company offers solutions for biometric and electronic identification, electronic ID cards, driver licenses and cashless payment.

Sagem Orga has a global network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, branch offices and sales partners, along with leading-edge production sites in Germany, France, Brazil, Russia and India. The smart card expert employs more than 1,600 people worldwide. Sagem Orga is part of the international SAFRAN high-tech group. The group generates annual sales of more than 12 billion euros and has 63 000 employees in over 30 countries.

For more information: www.sagem-orga.com