ImageWare Systems’ BE 2.0 to secure Air and Sea Ports

ImageWare Systems, Inc has released version 2.0 of its flagship Biometric Engine identity management product. The system is considered an evolutionary leap in multi-biometric security solutions at airports, seaports and other critical points-of-access for both government and private enterprises.

Biometric Engine was introduced five years ago. With version 2.0, new features and capabilities include: greater scalability; faster performance; improved distribution of biometric data; vastly improved support for larger identity populations; greater population filtering and watch list management; critical new patent-pending feature: anonymous biometric identity management; and superior integration with existing identity management solutions and enterprise service bus technologies.

Reportedly, the technology is still the only patented agnostic, open-architecture biometric recognition software solution that works with virtually all existing security hardware, software and algorithms.

The new version’s capacity to handle greater population filtering and identity management, not to mention its unique and flexible ability to fuse multiple biometrics, makes it an ideal technology to be used in airports and seaports. ImageWare can process individual identification by their physical traits such as fingerprint, iris, DNA thus providing that needed security and risk mitigation through highly reliable verification of personal identity and granting access to only trusted personnel.

Jim Miller, chairman and CEO of ImageWare explained the company’s intention is to exploit its status as a leader in multi-modal biometric security solutions. “Within the large government market, we have turned our focus to air and sea port systems,” said Miller. “These have the greatest need for our technology as well as the budgets to support rapid implementation.” As a result, Miller notes that his firm is “engaged in multiple opportunities to secure identity at foreign international ports that are racing towards compliance with the Safe Port Act deadline.”

The Safe Port Act deadline is set for 2013 for foreign shippers to screen cargo being shipped to the U.S. as well as the identity of individuals loading their contents. For the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Coast Guard have initiated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. It is a program that provides tamper-resistant biometric credentials to maritime workers requiring unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and outer continental shelf facilities. For some foreign governments, it is noted that they have commissioned the private sector to finance these security enhancements in order to expedite the process.

BE 2.0 has been installed by major institutional clients like Los Angeles International Airport, and the Veterans Administration. Also, ImageWare is aggressively pursuing entry into the commercial sector.

Article Topics

access control  |  biometrics  |  border control  |  government  |  identity management  |  secure identification  |  verification