News

BioLink Achieves Microsoft Certified Partner Status

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces being awarded a Microsoft Competency in Independent Software Vendor (ISV)/Software Solutions. The Microsoft Certified Partner Status is achieved through BioLink�s extensive experience and expertise in building biometric ID systems for middle and large enterprises, its competency in developing ID solutions based on Microsoft technologies, and highly positive feedback from customers.

According to Konstantin Sorokin, BioLink�s CEO: �Being granted the Microsoft Certified Partner Status in ISV/Software Solutions is clear evidence that BioLink�s team is successful and highly professional in bringing innovation into diverse businesses, making them secure and cost-effective�.

Another aspect of importance is the maturity of BioLink�s biometric offerings, which is best witnessed by BioTime, an integrated biometric Time and Attendance/Access control solution which has received the Microsoft certification. Based on Microsoft .NET, BioTime ensures scalability, high performance and plenty of integration options. Microsoft SQL Server is used to securely store the biometric data, thus guaranteeing ease of deployment and operation.

All BioLink products run under Microsoft operating systems, including the latest Windows Vista version. In particular, BioLink IDenium is fully compatible with Microsoft Active Directory. Another example of Microsoft�s groundbreaking synergy with biometrics is the use of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) in BioLink�s universal ID platform BioLink BioID, providing for simplified check-in/check-out event registration for any applications requiring strong identification.

As an ISV Software Solutions partner, BioLink is about to primarily focus on the following activities:

Further development of the biometric ID market by satisfying the ever increasing demands of corporate customers and public bodies
Promotion of BioLink�s products via resources and support offered by the Microsoft Partner program
Ongoing integration of Microsoft�s most recent technologies and architectures into biometric ID systems

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company�s products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scale civil identification, access control and information security applications. BioLink�s solutions provide the optimal total cost of ownership in the industry and are being implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink�s web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com.

BioLink IDenium for Windows Vista: Added Security and Comfort

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces the launch of BioLink IDenium 3.0 for Active Directory (AD) designed to biometrically identify users accessing corporate resources. Supplemented with a scalable and easy to operate IDenium Server, BioLink IDenium now identifies Windows Vista users.

BioLink IDenium users can be identified by fingerprints, passwords or both (if higher security required). Selection of the required identification policy is available via BioLink�s tab of a standard Microsoft AD �Users and Computers� console. Fingerprints can be enrolled by users themselves or the administrator.

BioLink IDenium stores only digitized fingerprint templates, which in the course of identification are compared with newly captured fingerprints. Any user can enroll fingerprints of up to 10 fingers.

Biometric matching is the responsibility of the software IDenium Server, which is installed quite easily through automated registration in an AD catalogue. To balance peak-period loads (such as the start of business when network resources are simultaneously accessed by most users), several biometric servers can be installed in a corporate network. Operating several servers also ensures fault tolerance of the entire biometric system: if any of such servers temporary becomes unavailable, its identification functions will be taken over by another server.

To capture fingerprints, users� workstations can be equipped with a BioLink U-Match fingerprint scanner (standalone or embedded) or a third party device such as UPEK (standalone or integrated into laptops and other mobile devices).

�Identity and access management is considered the most crucial of all information security targets,� says Piotr Pertsov, BioLink�s Head of Business Development. �BioLink IDenium is able to effectively meet this target through the use of biometrics, high performance and ease of deployment".

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company�s products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scales of civil identification, access control and information security applications. BioLink�s solutions ensure optimal total cost of ownership in the industry and are implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink�s web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com.

BioLink Headquarters Moves to another Location

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces that its headquarters in Moscow, Russia has moved to a new comfortable office.

From now on, you can find us at: Avangardnaya St., 3, Moscow, 125493, Russia.

To reach BioLink, you can:

� Call us at: +7 (495) 645-8705/04/03;

� Email us at: sales@biolinksolutions.com;

� Visit BioLink�s website at: http://www.biolinksolutions.com.

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company�s products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scales of civil identification, T&A/access control and information security applications. BioLink�s solutions ensure optimal total cost of ownership and are implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink�s web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com.

BioLink chooses asknet to run their eCommerce

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

asknet, Inc., leading in global eCommerce, announced that BioLink, a leading provider of advanced biometric solutions has selected the asknet solution to run its online distribution channel.

BioLink delivers solutions for information security, access control, civil identification, time & attendance for people, businesses, and governments. Their technology uses fingerprint identification, facial and voice recognition, handwriting analysis, and biometrics identifiers. Biometric products represent a huge market worldwide. BITKOM and Roland Roger predict a 4.9 billion Euros of worldwide revenue by 2010.

Originally selling in worldwide through a network of partners, BioLink was looking to expand its market penetration to the rest of Europe and North America by putting in place an on-line shopping facility. �We were looking for an eCommerce partner with expertise in these markets and a solution which could help us grow on a global scale,� said Piotr Pertsov, BioLink�s Head of Business Development. The asknet solution has allowed BioLink to offer shopping carts in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish as well as offering multiple currencies with Euro, US Dollars, GBP, and Swiss Francs.

�We are very pleased to work with BioLink on this eCommerce solution. With over a decade of online distribution expertise we knew we could get them up-and-running in a very short amount of time,� said Bob Lamvik, President of asknet Inc. �We were able to deliver an instant online distribution channel at a low cost of entry with immediate global reach and fast deployment.�

This online solution has really opened the door to new markets and facilitated commerce in several languages with multiple currencies offering users choices of payment methods. Moreover, BioLink uses asknet�s on-line shop to supply its VAR database all around the world with both software and hardware.

About asknet

asknet AG, (Frankfurt A5A) leading in Global eCommerce, accelerates eSales for publishers in the digital marketplace. Since 1995, the company has developed a robust eCommerce platform for customers around the world. As media is rapidly transitioning to digital formats, the marketing, sales, distribution, and services of these products are also moving online. The ever expanding reach from fixed and mobile customers all around the globe is pushing companies to perfect their eDistribution. asknet delivers an instant online distribution channel to its customers. For additional information, please visit www.asknet.com.

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company's products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scales of civil identification, access control and information security applications. BioLink's solutions ensure optimal total cost of ownership in the industry and are implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink's web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com.

Press Contact

asknet, Inc.

Jaywant Singh Rao
Vice President Sales & Business Development
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1025
San Francisco CA 94104
Tel: 415-352-2615

E-mail: jaywant.rao@asknet.com

asknet AG

Daniela Simon

Manager Investor & Public Relations

Vincenz-Priessnitz-Str. 3

76131 Karlsruhe

Germany

Tel: +49/721/96458-6112

E-mail: daniela.simon@asknet.de

BioLink Biometrics Incorporated into Hawaii Driver License Program

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces the use of its fingerprint biometrics for the State of Hawaii's Driver License Program. The upgrade of the driver license system reinforces the �one driver � one license' principle, designed to increase driver license security.

Incorporating biometrics into driver licenses was recently mandated in the �Minimum Standards for Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes� issued by the Department of Homeland Security. A biometrically-enhanced driver license system aids in addressing the following key problems: (i) issuance of multiple licenses to a single driver; (ii) issuance of a single license to multiple drivers, and (iii) detection of counterfeited driver licenses.

The Hawaii driver license system integrates both fingerprint matching and facial recognition technologies into the card issuance process, increasing the already stringent security measures currently in place. A driver requiring a duplicate or renewal license now must have previous finger and/or facial images validated before a new card is issued.

For the Hawaii project, BioLink supplied its optical fingerprint scanners, ensuring a high quality of fingerprint capture. In addition, BioLink SDK, a development kit, was used to make the most of BioLink's proprietary fingerprint matching algorithms complying with most industry standards, namely: ICAO (reqs for machine readable travel documents), ISO/IEC (biometric data interchange formats), ANSI/NIST (data format for the interchange of fingerprint and facial information), ANSI/INCITS (data interchange formats), WSQ (FBI's image compression specification) and BioAPI (biometric data format), thus ensuring an interoperable data exchange with other systems. In this project BioLink was honored to collaborate with Marquis ID Systems and Trijay Corporation.

�The continued integration of advanced security technologies into the driver license program demonstrates Hawaii 's commitment to its residents and their safety and security,� said Mark Steigmeyer, President of Marquis ID Systems. �We are proud to provide o ur state-of-the-art driver license issuance solutions to customers such as Hawaii , giving them the tools necessary to secure their DL programs from start to finish.�

Piotr Pertsov, BioLink's Director of Business Development, says: �With the rapid influx of biometrics, we are required to follow demanding market trends. This is another driver's license project supplemented with BioLink biometrics, and we are sure it will bring overwhelming success making the licensing procedures secure and effortless. In this project, we are proud to partner with Marquis ID Systems and Trijay Corporation, global leaders in identity solutions and services.�

About BioLink

About Marquis ID Systems

Marquis ID Systems (MIDS) provides fully integrated solutions for production of Drivers License and Identification (DL/ID) Cards. MIDS specializes in customized solutions, specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of each customer. MIDS utilizes the most advanced software and hardware technologies available to create solutions that meet and exceed the Department of Homeland Security's newest security guidelines. For more information, please visit www.marquis-id.com.

About TTI

Providing solutions to central and local government, corporate, retail, and security industries, Trijay Technologies International Corp. (TTI) combines proven biometric systems and secure identification technologies to satisfy any specific requirements. From OEM fingerprint modules, access control and T&A systems to complete national smart card, border and port security control and e-passport schemes, TTI's capabilities cover conception and design to implementation and complete customer service. TTI delivers some of the most technological and reliable identity management solutions available in the industry today. TTI focuses on strategies that are designed to manage costs, increase quality, mitigate risk, improve business agility, and strengthen security. For more information on TTI please call 949-309-4049, or visit our web site at www.trijaycorp.com.

BioLink is committed to add biometric security to Bahamian passports

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces its contribution to an e-passport project launched in the Bahamas , which is expected to cover 255,000 citizens. Introduction of e-passports enhanced with biometrics is intended to ensure the safety of passport holders and the security of confidential data stored in a passport against fraudulent use, including the use of lost or stolen passports. E-passports meet the globally accepted standards for machine-readable documents, such as the recommendations established by the ICAO, of which the Bahamas is a member.

In an effort to combat crimes and terrorism by keeping track of visitors , the Bahamian Department of Immigration and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are charged with preventing illegal border crossing and trafficking by means of e-passports. An e-passport is an identity document using biometrics to authenticate the citizenship of travelers. It contains an embedded contactless chip, holding electronic data of the passport holder, to ensure the integrity of personal data, including the holder's biometric credentials.

Bahamian passports are enhanced with biometric features, including fingerprint biometrics delivered by BioLink. To cross a border, a person's fingerprint is scanned and compared against the digital fingerprint template contained in the silicon chip memory. The identification procedure is fast and effortless allowing for an accelerated flow of passengers and checks by the border authorities.

For Bahamian e-passports, BioLink supplied its biometric development kit, designed to add security to applications requiring strong identification. The kit is mostly advantageous for supporting the key global security standards, such as ICAO, ISO/IEC, ANSI/NIST, ANSI/INCITS, WSQ and BioAPI thus ensuring an interoperable data exchange with other systems.

For this particular project, BioLink also ensured compatibility of its fingerprint matching algorithm in the ANSI/NIST format with the ST4e hand-held device delivered by IRIS Corporation Berhad, a pioneer in e-passports and national multipurpose cards and BioLink's partner in the Bahamian project.

Piotr Pertsov, Director of Business Development in BioLink, says: �Biometric technology has so advanced in the past few years that incorporation of biometrics into passports is no longer considered a �mission impossible'. E-passports come into the forefront due to multiple forgeries and duplicity in the national security domain. BioLink's progress in delivering relevant security solutions is achieved mostly through our advanced proprietary algorithms and software, as well as highly skilled managers and engineers, able to fulfill any customer requirements in a fast and proper fashion. The Bahamian passports are another example of BioLink's extensive experience and expertise in civil identification projects�.

BioLink launches a new website for biometric solutions

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces fundamental changes to its official website at http://www.biolinksolutions.com. The updated website contains comprehensive information on the Company's major activities, products and solutions as well as the most recent global biometric trends.

Konstantin Sorokin, BioLink's CEO, says: �Being a leading provider of advanced identification solutions, BioLink is committed to constantly expanding and updating its official website to follow the major drives of the ever-growing and demanding biometric market. The well-constructed, easy to use and intuitive navigation throughout the website ensuring required information can be reached instantly, the availability of recent press releases, events and industry news � all these options are at the disposal of visitors to our thoroughly updated website�.

The information contained on the website reveals all the practical aspects of applying biometric identification tools by private and public institutions and diverse industries, including governmental programs for e-passports enhanced with biometrics, law enforcement bodies, banking and finance institutions, transportation companies, healthcare and educational facilities.

The �Solutions� section represents the collection of all global experience and expertise in implementing biometrics in information security systems, T&A, physical access control solutions, large-scale identification projects, including the servicing of passengers, users of payment systems and members of loyalty programs. The section dwells on smart ways of building advanced biometric applications based on development toolkits as well as fingerprint and face identification technologies.

The �Products� section comprises detailed information on the Company's branded software and hardware solutions, including optical fingerprint scanners (for office use, mountable, and special designs), biometric terminals (designed for access control and mobile identification), and biometric identification systems (BioLink IDenium for Active Directory users, BioTime, a biometric T&A/access control system, and BioLink AMIS, an automated multi-biometric information system).

The updated website is advantageous for uncovering the major activities of BioLink's partners, being a wide global community of leaders in biometrics and other identification solutions. The �Support� section is intended to assist users in implementing BioLink products by offering a FAQ topic as well as recent downloads and the ability to send a request to BioLink's qualified technical support staff. There is also a separate section containing comparative analysis of the most popular and widely spread biometric identification technologies, allowing website visitors to select the optimum identification technique to be applied in a particular application area.

Piotr Pertsov, BioLink's Director of Business Development, says: �Biometrics is considered to be one of the most dynamically evolving IT sectors. Its fastest achievements are making inroads into a wide array of application areas, including the activities of state institutions and commercial firms. BioLink's updated website singles out all the benefits of advanced biometric technologies and shows in detail how they can be used to meet strong identification requirements�.

BioLink at Security and Safety Technologies, 2008

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces its participation in the XIII International Forum & Exhibition �Security and Safety Technologies�, a leading security exhibition and congress event in Russia, CIS and Eastern Europe. It will take place on February 5-8, 2008, at Crocus Expo, Moscow, Russia. BioLink will be exhibiting its highly reliable and scalable biometric solutions, extensively deployed by private and public bodies across the globe in Hall 7, Stand L 15.8.

On the opening day (February 5, 2008) BioLink will present its key innovations in the biometric identification domain. The attendants will be able to see and even try BioID, a universal biometric identification platform ensuring the efficient and user-friendly biometric enrollment of visitors and employees of any company, ranging from the banking and insurance spheres to the healthcare, trade and hospitality industries.

On the BioLink stand, BioID will operate in real time and shall demonstrate the deployment of ready-to-use tools for user registration and report generation, the fast integration of biometrics into other information and management systems, and the development of new applications based on BioID.

The second exhibition day will be fully devoted to information security. In this respect, BioLink plans to introduce its BioLink IDenium service, facilitating access restriction to sensitive corporate data based on fool-proof user identification by distinct biometric credentials (fingerprints). BioLink IDenium is fully compatible with the Microsoft Active Directory (AD) infrastructure, which provides for the use of a standard AD console to manage user rights and permissions and to customize security policies (identification by fingerprint, identification by fingerprint OR password, and identification by fingerprint AND password).

On the third day, the Forum will host the International Conference �Terrorism and Transportation Security�. On this day, BioLink will present BioLink AMIS, an automated multi-biometric information system. BioLink AMIS is designed to implement large-scale identification projects, such as the introduction of biometric visas and e-passports, combating crime, terrorism and illegal migration, as well as ensuring the security of transportation companies (including through participation in loyalty programs, such as frequent travelers etc.).

On the final day (February 8, 2008), BioLink's exposition will cover T&A and access control management systems. The solutions to be exhibited here are BioTime, a biometric T&A and access control solution, and BioLink FingerPass IC, a biometric terminal for the identification of users by fingerprints and/or contactless cards and PIN-codes and for the management of door-locks and turnstiles.

For additional information on the event and to register for an e-badge, please visit the Forum's web-site at http://www.tbforum.ru/eng .

BioLink Employs ISO-Compliant Biometrics to Count 7.5 Millions of Angolans

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink Solutions announces participation in a large identification project to create the population register of Angola citizens based on the database containing their biometric identifiers (fingerprints). The project covering the whole country totals over 7.5 million people.

The project being deployed divides the country into over 2 thousand enumeration areas, about 2 000 people each. These areas do the primary processing by BioLink's ISO-compliant (International Standards Organization) algorithms of the enrolled fingerprints and other demographic information obtained by the enumerators. Then the data is transmitted to the central computing centre, where the population register database is being created. Enumerators are also biometrically identified to protect citizens' personal information and prevent possible misuses while enrolling and processing it.

Angolans are split into 20 subsets managed by the sex and age factors. Enrollment involves scanning of 3 fingerprints and input of other demographic information. Citizens' fingerprints are captured by 3 200 BioLink U-Match 3.5 Scanners embedded into the mobile enumeration stations.

BioLink Solutions has been selected by Sinfic, a global systems integrator, to deliver the following basic front-end components: biometric scanners and world-leading fingerprint matching algorithms operating in the verification (1:1) and identification (1:N) modes and allowing for the template creation in the required format. Fingerprint templates are generated and transmitted in the ISO-format due to compliance of BioLink's algorithms with the two internationally accepted ISO standards: ISO/IEC 19794-2 specifying the data format for digital representation of fingerprints, and ISO/IEC 19794-4 defining the interchange format of finger image data.

Prior to the project implementation, Sinfic performed long-lasting load tests of all major biometric scanners and fingerprint matching algorithms. BioLink's optical scanners guaranteeing high-quality fingerprint images demonstrated the best score results in all tests and were, therefore, preferred to other offerings. Selected instead of traditional ink scanning, they help significantly increasing the efficiency of enrollment and identification procedures. BioLink's fingerprint matching algorithms that form the core of all identification solutions of the company have a number of international patents and always show proper results in independent biometric tests.

Implementation of biometrics for the population register is internationally accepted and helps significantly advancing the enrollment and identification procedures. For BioLink Solutions, a powerful biometric player, the creation of the Angola population register based on biometrics is another milestone in delivering nationwide identification projects such as Nigerian Voting System (60 mln people) or ECOWAS Nigerian Passport and Border Control System (6.5 mln people), for which BioLink also provided its products and services.

BioLink�s Biometrics is the Core of the Nigerian ECOWAS Passport

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces the commencement of the commissioning stage of the biometric identification system, which is a major component of the e-passport project in Nigeria, the first African country to adopt e-documents enhanced with biometrics in compliance with the international standards and ICAO guidelines. As of today, e-passports are accepted and deployed globally by a number of countries as an effective tool to protect individuals and their personal information against fraud and counterfeit.

The new passports to be issued for Nigerians contain a digital face photo as well as thumb and forefinger fingerprint templates. Fingerprint identification is based on BioLink�s scalable and fault-tolerant solutions and algorithms, which are among leaders in independent tests. In implementing this project, BioLink co-operated with its strategic partners Iris Smart Technologies Ltd (ISTL), Nigeria, and IRIS Corporation Berhad, Malaysia. As a system integrator, ISTL is responsible for integrating technologies provided by various vendors, rendering the required services, including system maintenance on-site. IRIS is the supplier of the passport disposal system software, electronic inlays for e-passports and is responsible for printing the new passports.

To issue a biometrically enhanced e-passport, the person�s fingerprints are scanned, enrolled into the system and chip contained in a passport. Identification is performed both at the issuance stage in order to prevent re-issuance of the document to the same person and when crossing the country�s borders to facilitate and enhance immigration control procedures.

The biometric component is based on BioLink Automated Multi-biometric Information System (AMIS), being a gigantic and powerful matcher of biometric templates and based on patented award-winning fingerprint matching algorithms. Fingerprint scanning provide support for WSQ (Wavelet Scalar Quantization) format widely accepted and welcomed by law enforcement authorities worldwide. The server part composed of 180 clustered blade servers allows for performing hundreds of thousands of matches per second, with such a speed being a must for the like large-scale identification projects covering millions of people. As of today, the system is supposed to cover the issuance of passports to 6 millions Nigerian citizens (1st stage). Assuming the entire AMIS potential is used to issue passports to all Nigerians, the whole process of passport issuance is about to take 281 days only.

Piotr Pertsov, Director of Business Development in BioLink, says: �Engagement in such a large, nationwide project is another vital milestone in BioLink�s large-scale identification activities. Some years ago, our cutting-edge biometrics and matchers did their best to provide Nigerians with a unique opportunity to vote in compliance with the democratic �one man � one vote� procedures by enrolling 60 million citizens within the framework of the Voter Registration System. Now, we are committed to help them combat illegal immigration and terrorism in compliance with global incentives and procedures. Our work is not done yet: now that the project is commissioned, BioLink will provide the required technical support and assistance, both on-site and remote, for the system to operate properly�.

BioLink Delivers Its Powerful Matchers for the E-Passport of Senegal

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces engagement in the design and implementation of the Electronic Passport System in Senegal involving fingerprinting of the Senegalese crossing the country's borders. The ICAO-compliant e-passport used as a travel document will bear the embedded microchip in its cover containing the biometric identifiers of its holder, thus adding more authenticity to this identification document.

The Republic of Senegal ( West Africa ) is another African country that launches the e-passport project complying with the stipulations mandated by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) for machine-readable travel documents protecting the privacy of users against identity theft. In addition, e-passports assist in streamlining the immigration activities and keeping records of visitors coming to the country in real time.

The system is expected to cover 3 Mio citizens of Senegal . It will operate in one main passport operation center in Dakar and eight regional passport operation centers in the Republic of Senegal . In addition, the system will be spread worldwide with another eight overseas passport operation centers in embassies of Senegal in various countries. The Dakar International Airport will be equipped with four Immigration Autogates enhanced with BioLink biometrics for safe, swift and effortless flow of passengers exiting and arriving to the country.

BioLink is responsible for the biometric component of the system, namely for managing and matching the biometric credentials, such as the passport holders' live fingerprints captured by a biometric scanner. For this project, BioLink supplied the biometric management server and 8 biometric matchers (2 quad-core processors each) intended to do the fast fingerprint comparison within 24 hours. The biometric matching is performed based on BioLink's proprietary fingerprint matching algorithms supporting the key international and industry standards, such as ISO/IEC, ANSI/NIST, ANSI INCITS and WSQ . IRIS Corporation Berhad, BioLink's frequent partner in nationwide identification projects, is in charge of providing a fully integrated and highly secure solution for the enrollment, personalization and issuance of e-passport to the Senegalese as well as the appropriate support services within the period of 20 years.

Piotr Pertsov, Director of Business Development in BioLink, says: �We are involved in this large identification project thanks to lasting relationship with IRIS. However, BioLink has sufficient experience in cooperating with African governments, and we are quite confident we'll give this project the best care and attention until the customer is completely satisfied.�

First Banking Security Day in Kazakhstan: Biometrics on Top

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces the first Banking Security Day in Kazakhstan, to be held collectively with its partner �Ditis�. The event is expected to attract top managers of the leading banks and other financial institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, IT-security people and HR-staff. The Banking Security Day will take place on November 15, 2007, in Almaty, Ambassador Hotel Almaty.

Those attending the Banking Security Day will be offered integrated solutions implementing the key requirements imposed on banking business processes, such as processing highly sensitive data, data protection against unauthorized access, physical access control for bank employees and clients, and time and attendance tracking. The Banking Security Day is divided into two business sessions, the one dwelling on theory and the other one devoted to the best practices of applying biometrics in banking applications, accompanied by BioLink project references.

One of the major identification issues to tackle is about protecting corporate banking data. Such corporate security challenges are addressed by BioLink IDenium providing for fast, reliable and convenient user identification by fingerprints.

Banks are also concerned about securing physical access to areas and facilities. Safe flow of employees and visitors, access control for storage areas, server rooms, deposit boxes, schedules and operation modes for the banking personnel, integration of time management and access control features � all these tasks are easily handled by BioTime, a biometric time management and access control system. Throughout the Banking Security Day this cutting-edge solution will be operating in real-time mode making it possible for visitors to try this user-friendly and convenient system themselves. To capture fingerprint images, BioLink U-Match scanners will be included into the exposition.

Another system to be discussed is BioLink AMIS, an automated multi-biometric information system intended for nationwide governmental programs and commercial applications. Among the most prominent applications of AMIS are the following: non-repudiatable confirmation of sensitive banking transactions, reliable identification of loan and insurance applicants, biometric ATMs, and many more.

Piotr Pertsov, Director of Business Development of BioLink, notes: �Kazakhstan, being the most active promoter of biometric identification technologies among CIS-countries, is not an accidental location of the Banking Security Day. Suffice it to mention the largest biometric identification project implemented by Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan (9,000 users) and a biometric identification system deployed in a subsidiary of Sberbank of Russia used to confirm transactions related to managing banking accounts. We�re sure the Banking Security Day will significantly boost the spread of biometrics in the financial sphere of Kazakhstan always known for its innovation and openness to efficient and mature technologies and solutions�.

BioLink Biometrics & m2m Smart Card-based Systems at Cardex & IT Security�07

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces participation, together with m2m group, in the 4 th International Conference and Exhibition �Cardex & IT Security'07� that took place on September 19-21, 2007, Expocentr's Fairgrounds, Krasnaya Presnya, Moscow, Pavilion 5, Hall 2, Booth B532 . The event was held under the support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RF, Association of Russian Banks and Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry and attracted numerous representatives of banks, financial institutions, IT and telecommunication companies, mobile operators, trade centres, hotel chains, restaurants, social service organisations and state agencies.

The synergy of biometrics and smart card technologies is one of the most popular information security technologies extensively used in financial and payment systems, client loyalty programs, transportation facilities and many other application areas. Once these powerful technologies were isolated preventing making the best of their greatest potential which the joint exposition of BioLink and m2m successfully revealed to Cardex & IT Security visitors.

In particular, m2m group offered a large range of software solutions based on its secure e-transactions processing system, Advanced MAGIX. Leveraging synergies of different fields, m2m group's solutions address a wide spectrum of electronic transaction applications ranging from payment schemes to e-gov programs. New opportunities of combining biometrics and intellectual cards also cover nationwide projects, such as e-passports, driver's licenses and the like e-ID documents, as well as solutions for the healthcare and transportation systems.

An integrated solution for transportation security and loyalty programs attracted the visitors' attention: the client loyalty program MAGIC Loyalty delivered by m2m enhanced with biometric identification features offered by BioLink allows frequent travelers avoiding long queues in airports and making their trip comfortable. Travelers using Magix Loyalty are given smart cards containing the traveler's biometric identifiers. In an airport, the traveler's card is read and his/her fingerprints are scanned, thus comparing the biometric templates. Such a quick procedure allows reliably establishing the person's identity, accelerating the flow of passengers and increasing the overall security level. The proposed solution uses the mobile terminal BioLink St4e with an embedded optical scanner. The terminal is compact, supports GPS, GPRS, BlueTooth and Wi-Fi, reads smart cards and is designed for prompt identification in field conditions (such as in airports, at the customs, etc.).

Another novelty exposed was a biometric optical USB scanner combined with a smart card reader BioLink U-Match 5.0 supporting the most popular smart card formats. Its small size allows embedding it into various devices, while its advanced patented fingerprint matching algorithms provide for the best identification results.

Targeting multiple personnel-related identification areas, BioLink showcased BioTime, its biometric time and attendance monitoring system with access control features to reliably identify employees of a company. As an option, BioTime allows performing identification of employees by proximity cards (for time management) and Mifare and EM-Marine cards (for access control). To scan fingerprints and read access control cards, the biometric terminal BioLink FingerPass IC is used.

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company's products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scale civil identification, access control and information security applications. BioLink's solutions provide the optimal total cost of ownership in the industry and are being implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink's web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com.

About m2m group

m2m group is one of the leading international providers of e-transactions processing solutions. Through its software products, consulting and system integration services and outsourcing solutions, m2m group delivers world class solutions that help financial institutions, retailers, payment processors, service providers and network operators reduce costs, eliminate fraud, improve process efficiency, maximize services delivery and increase profitability. For additional information, please visit m2m's web site at http://www.m2mgroup.com.

BioLink Fingerprint Biometrics in Maldivian Passports

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces integration of its innovative fingerprint biometrics in the key travel document of the Republic of the Maldives � the passport. The immigration department of the country has preferred the BioLink solution to enhance the citizens' security following the globally accepted standards, in particular, the standard for machine-readable travel documents introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The new passport introduced in Male on July 26, Maldives ' Independence Day, implements fingerprint and face image templates digitized and embedded into the microchip contained in its back cover and provides for quick and fool-proof identification of the citizens.

In cooperation with IRIS Corporation Berhad, our key strategic partner for civil identification projects, BioLink supplied its advanced development toolkit ( BSDK ) being the core of the identification component of the passport creation and issuance system. BioLink SDK, which is a smart way of building state-of-the-art security subsystems, is mostly advantageous for its compliance with major international and industry standards, namely, ISO/IEC 19794-4 Finger Image Data, ISO/IEC 19794-2 Finger Minutiae Data, WSQ, ANSI/NIST-ITL-1-2000 and ANSI INCITS 378-2004. It supports a wide range of programming languages and fingerprint scanning devices produced by various global manufacturers, thus providing flexibility and adaptability of systems based on BSDK.

Piotr Pertsov, Director of Business Development in BioLink, says: �Our accumulated experience and expertise in similar nationwide identification projects allows building collaboration with government customers in the most convenient and smooth way. We are grateful to IRIS supplying inlays for the microchips contained in the new Maldivian passport for introducing our biometrics to another nation striving to follow the most innovative identification trends worldwide�.

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company's products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scale civil identification, access control and information security applications. BioLink's solutions provide the optimal total cost of ownership in the industry and are being implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink's web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com .

About IRIS

IRIS Corporation Berhad is a global security solution provider with core expertise in the area of securing government security documents i.e. National ID and Passport. IRIS pioneered the world's first electronic passport and national multi-application smart card with the implementation of the Malaysian Electronic Passport in March 1998 and MyKAD - the Malaysian Government Multi Purpose Card in April 2001. These technologies are deployed in many countries across the Asia, Middle East and Africa regions. IRIS also provides a full range of smart cards readers, integrated terminals, card personalization equipment and biometrics scanner to complement the application of its smart card solutions. For additional information, go to http://www.iris.com.my .

BioLink exhibits its advances at the MAKS international aviation-space show

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

BioLink announces showcasing its cutting-edge biometric solutions and systems ensuring the protection of airports, air carriers and other transportation companies against identification-related threats at the international aviation-space show "MAKS-2007" to be held on August 21-26, 2007, in the town of Zhukovsky near Moscow . The exposition will be located in Hall N, Stand H2-5.

Since airport activities are directly related to migration, border and customs control, BioLink's exposition will, first and foremost, show its brand new civil identification system BioLink AMIS (Automated Multi-biometric Information System). It allows integrating advanced biometrics into the next generation electronic ID-documents, such as passports and visas, as well as into widely accepted governmental loyalty programs, such as the frequent traveler program.

Another key task of any transportation enterprise is restricting access to secured areas and zones. Air carriers and airports have welcomed and are widely deploying biometric time and attendance monitoring and access control systems. To cover the said tasks, BioTime , a biometric time tracking and access control system, will be introduced to MAKS visitors. BioTime will be exhibited in combination with BioLink FingerPass IC , an access control terminal identifying users by fingerprints, contactless cards and/or PIN-code.

Transportation companies are also quite susceptible to information security breaches, both from inside and outside. Thus, a handful biometric tool to secure corporate resources, BioLink IDenium compliant with Active Directory and Citrix platforms will surely attract the visitors' attention. To perform the capture of fingerprint templates and identify users, BioLink is about to introduce BioLink ST4E , a biometric terminal for on-the-fly reliable identification, and BioLink U-Match 5.0 , a biometric scanner for office use combined with a card reader.

Visitors to Stand H2-5 will have a chance to attend a presentation "Biometrics in Airports: Reliability, Security & Efficiency" accumulating the global expertise of applying biometrics in aviation, and receive our marketing brochures and CD-disks with BioLink products' description and demos.

Piotr Pertsov, Director of Business Development in BioLink, says: �Aviation has always been at the forefront of technical advances, and any dynamically evolving aviation enterprise is striving to apply the most recent technologies, including biometrics, to its benefit. We are quite excited that MAKS-2007 gives BioLink an opportunity to introduce the Company's biometric identification solutions to the visitors".

About BioLink

BioLink, a leading provider of biometric identification solutions, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced fingerprint biometric products. The Company's products and services form the core of biometric identification and authentication solutions for all scale civil identification, access control and information security applications. BioLink's solutions provide the optimal total cost of ownership in the industry and are being implemented by corporate and government entities worldwide. For additional information, please visit BioLink's web site at http://www.biolinksolutions.com .