Established in 1997, Precise Biometrics has developed and marketed fingerprint recognition solutions with special emphasis on the use of such technology in combination with smart cards. Biometrics makes great sense in combination with other security functions, such as a microprocessor smart card, as biometrics in itself provides the proof of identity of a person, in this case a cardholder. Combining the two technologies; so-called Match-on-Card, has proved to serve the National ID Card segment very well. By being an independent provider of this technology; meaning any card, application or reader can be used, Precise Biometrics has been the preferred supplier by far.
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ON STRONG GROWTH PATH
1997
Precise Biometrics was established around the development of technology for advanced image processing for the identification of fingerprints.
1998
Work with the development of the company’s first products continued at the same time as the technology and future products were marketed prior to their introduction.
1999
The company presented its first product, Precise 100 SC, a combined reader for fingerprints and smart cards. The company initiated several partnerships. By the end of the year the company was represented in over 15 countries, and two prioritized market segments were computer security and entrance control systems. The company was listed on the SBI list (the current NGM list).
2000
The company positioned itself as a technical leader in Match-on-Card and started Precise Biometrics Inc. in Internet Valley outside Washington D.C., with responsibility for sales in North and South America. Initial deliveries of products took place to the Pentagon and to Gemplus. A public authority in Taiwan selected the company’s technology for biometric identification and to enhance information security. The company’s first patent was approved, and the company was listed on the O list of the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
2001
Precise Biometrics launched its first product for entrance control systems, Precise Bio-Access and Precise 100 MC, which is the second generation’s combined fingerprint and smart card reader. The company received several large orders, from the American Armed Forces and from the Justice Department in the Netherlands. The company initiated cooperation with Utimaco Safeware, ActivCard and New Watch/Honeywell International. The company was granted two new patents.
2002
The company communicated several large security projects where its technology for fingerprint identification in combination with smart cards was included as part of a more extensive security solution. The company also received two large orders, one from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and one from a Fortune 100 company in the U.S. The company’s portfolio of patents was expanded with a patent for Precise Match-on-CardTM, which was the first patent in the world for this type of biometry. The second Precise Match-on-CardTM patent was approved towards the end of 2002. A cost-saving program was implemented in the autumn.
2003
Precise Biometrics was selected to participate in the Common Access Card project’s third biometry assessment. Precise 100 PC-Card received the Product of the Year award from the BiometriTech, the leading industrial body. The company launched the Precise BioMatchTM software for matching fingerprints on smart cards. This meant that the company’s technology could be integrated on all the leading smart cards on the market. The company also delivered a biometry-based smart card solution to a government authority in Canada. A new savings program was initiated in the second quarter.
2004
Precise Match-on-CardTM was launched on the Japanese market. A European ID card project resulted in the company receiving a development order for a new version of a combined fingerprint and smart card reader. The company also received an order for 7,500 sets of Precise 100 MC fingerprint and smart card readers, including the Match-on-Card software, to be installed at an American public authority. A project in the Middle East in the IT security sector resulted in the company receiving an order for combined fingerprint and smart card readers. Sales were significantly increased by 121% in comparison with 2003. The company received several important strategic orders and reinforced its position on the market.
2005
The company acquired all the shares in the IT consulting company Fyrplus Teknik AB (now known as Precise Biometrics Solutions), and moved forward its position on the market prior to the mass introduction of national ID cards and intelligent travel documents that is expected to take place in many countries. The company was the first company in the world to present a multibiometric verification station for border controls. A subsidiary was also established in London, the U.K.
The company acquired all the shares in the Swedish company Loqware Sweden AB, which enabled powerful penetration of the Chinese market. The company received several important orders, including a breakthrough order to a Thai public authority for Thailand’s new national ID cards. The company’s portfolio of patents was expanded during the year to 22 approved patents.
2006
Precise Biometrics invested in a joint venture company for establishment on the Chinese market together with Smart Unicorn Group Limited. The objective of the partnership is to integrate biometric solutions in mobile networks and mobile phones. The company has also launched an “open source” initiative to cost-effectively replace passwords with fingerprints.
The company received significant follow-up orders from the Thai public authority and the U.S. Department of State. A license agreement was signed with OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. in Japan. Precise Biometrics’ technology to be integrated in parts of a new product program.
SAS -- Scandinavian Airlines -- chose Precise Biometrics as its overall supplier of a biometric solution to improve its passenger flows and secure its baggage security. In November, SAS decided to introduce the system at all its airports in Sweden. The company was awarded procurement for national ID cards in Qatar.
In Novemer 2006, Precise Biometrics has a change of CEO.
2007
The company’s first national ID card project in Europe was won in Portugal. The rollout started in Q2. Late 2007, an additional ID card project was awarded Precise Biometrics, Bahrain.
2008
Precise Biometrics wins the largest U.S. police department and starts equipping 50,000 employees with Match-on-Card for their employee ID card. Precise Biometrics is also selected to participate in a EU project (TURBINE) to contribute with research over a two-year period. In April, IER launches a Speed Boarding Gate which includes Precise BioMatchTM technology during the Passenger Terminal Expo 2008 in Amsterdam.
Precise Biometrics now has 69 approved patents in 22 patent families, whereof 13 are directly related to Match-on-Card. 42 patent applications are pending.
Growth areas are SIM cards and bank cards, where is it possible for Precise Biometrics to now leverage success and experience from the National ID Card field to other large scale card programs.
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Figure 1. Diverse application areas of fingerprint recognition solutions (Source: Precise Biometrics)
SMART BUSINESS CONCEPT
Precise Biometrics develops and markets fingerprint recognition solutions with special emphasis on the use of such technology in combination with smart cards. With the in-house developed and patented technology Precise Match-on-CardTM, the company has a leading position in the field of smart ID cards.
The company’s solutions does more than replace keys, PIN codes and passwords, as it improves both security and functionality in all types of ID cards as well as cards for banks, mobile phones (SIM cards) and Registered Traveler solutions. Precise Biometrics’ solutions enable public authorities, companies and organizations, in addition to enhanced security and user-friendliness, to benefit from the advantages of increased cost-efficiency and reliability.
Precise Biometrics’ business concept is, together with partners and system integrators in a global network, to offer countries, authorities, companies and organizations user-friendly and interoperable fingerprint recognition solutions that proves the cardholder’s identity in complete security utilizing the smart card infrastructure.
PRODUCT LINE
Precise Biometrics markets software and hardware fingerprint recognition solutions and associated consultancy services, through the direct processing of several different customer segments all over the world. Complete biometric solutions are primarily offered together with partners such as solution providers, system integrators, smart card companies and chip manufacturers, primarily in identity management, travel and transportation, as well as integrated systems. The focus is on the core technology Precise BioMatchTM and Precise Match-on-CardTM and the development of supplementary applications and services.
Precise BioMatchTM for Smart Cards
Available for native integration, Java, Multos and .NET card platforms to perform Precise Match-on-CardTM
Precise BioMatchTM for Windows
Precise Match-on-CardTM integration on the PC-side
Precise BioMatchTM Embedded
Precise BioMatchTM for software implementation to third party fingerprint readers
Precise BioCore®
Precise BioMatchTM for hardware implementation to chips (integrated circuits/ICs)
Hand and fingerprint reader (Photo by Precise Biometrics)
UNIQUE TECHNOLOGIES
Precise Biometrics offers unique expertise within fingerprint recognition in combination with smart cards.
Its core technology, Precise BioMatchTM, is the available and well-proven fingerprint recognition technology best suited for integration on small platforms and microprocessors, such as smart card chips and ICs (Integrated Curcuits).
With some of the world’s largest customer projects combining fingerprint recognition and smart cards, Precise Biometrics is a reliable and well-known global supplier of biometric solutions.
The reasons that Precise Biometrics is chosen as a supplier for such large, prestigious projects are the interoperability that its technology and solutions offer, and the flexibility in adapting its solutions to the customer needs and expectations. As an independent vendor, its interoperability gives its customers the freedom of choice to choose among cards, applications and readers.
DIFFERENTIATORS
Large Partner Network
Precise Biometrics always work together with partners, as its technology is part of a larger solution. The company works with all smart card manufacturers and any system integrators. Competitors work mainly with proprietary and/or limited supply of smart cards.
Availability
Precise Biometrics is the only biometric company that offers its Match-on-Card technology on Java or Multos cards, giving the customer higher flexibility and a wider range of selection when it comes to card and chip manufacturer. Its technology can be implemented on any card and it is working with several global card manufacturers such as Austria Card, Gemalto, Keycorp, Oberthur Card Systems, Hitachi and Trub.
Interoperability
Again, since Precise Biometrics is not tied to any specific supplier of applications, hardware or smart cards; the customer is free to choose among components in their system during any time during a project life cycle due to changing requirements, budgets and needs.
Large Installed Base
When it comes to cards with Match-on-Card technology, Precise Biometrics has most enrolled cards in use, in comparison to its competitors -- approximately 10 million. The company has experience from several large-scale national ID card projects with Match-on-Card, such as Thailand, Qatar and Portugal.
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INTERVIEW
Precise Biometrics develops and markets fingerprint recognition solutions with special emphasis on the use of such technology in combination with smart cards. With the in-house developed and patented technology Precise Match-on-CardTM, the company has a leading position in the field of smart ID cards.
Precise Biometrics’ solutions enable public authorities, companies and organizations, in addition to enhanced security and user-friendliness, to benefit from the advantages of increased cost-efficiency and reliability.
In an interview with Jeanny Lim, Editor-in-Chief of SecurityWorld INTL, Thomas Marschall, CEO of Precise Biometrics, reveals the companys formula for success and his view on the biometric identification and smart card markets.
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“Our success factors are a unique technology that adds true value, a strong partner network, and full flexibility for the customer.”
What is the main reason for the world-leading position held by Precise Biometrics in the biometric security market, do you think?
Precise Biometrics decided early on to focus on the combination of fingerprint recognition and smart card technology. Biometrics makes great sense in combination with other security functions, such as a microprocessor smart card, as biometrics in itself provides the proof of identity of a person, in this case a cardholder. Combining the two technologies; so-called Match-on-Card, has proved to serve the National ID Card segment very well. These are card programs where nations equip whole populations with an ID card, and in order to make these truly personal, Match-on-Card biometrics is introduced. The combination of smart card with secure and privacy-enhancing identification capabilities, such as PKI and cryptographic certificates, makes it possible to combine a local verification of identity with a completely secure identification by cryptographic means over a distance.
By being an independent provider of this technology; meaning any card, application or reader can be used, we have been the preferred supplier by far. Our wide network of partners among smart card companies and system integrators have contributed to establishing, maintaining and growing our leading position.
In short; the success factors are a unique technology that adds true value, a strong partner network, and full flexibility for the customer.
Could you please update us on some of the recent industry activities and developments that you think would have a significant impact on the security industry?
With the introduction of NFC (Near Field Communication) in mobile phones, payment and transactions of all kinds are made possible using your phone. In order to securely work with these kinds of transactions, a proof of identity becomes crucial. By matching a person’s fingerprint in the SIM card of the phone, security is achieved by the use of the smart card infrastructure and the integrity of the user is preserved. The fingerprint sensor does not necessarily have to be integrated in the handset but could just as well be part of the point of sales terminal or verification station, meaning there is no limitation with the hardware even if the phone does not have fingerprint sensor integrated. Biometrics and Match-on-SIM card will be applicable to monetary transactions, frequent flyer or registered traveler scenarios, etc.
In terms of banking there are also movements and developments in the biometric field, which is most interesting. With large, unbanked or underbanked populations in, e.g., India and Africa, there is a large potential for biomtetrics tied to micro-finance initiatives and family savings cards. The introduction of biometrics will ensure that the entitled family member access the funds, as well as it makes it possible to use for those suffering from illiteracy and simply cannot use a PIN.
What is Precise Biometrics’ contribution to optimizing the growth rate of the biometric security market?
By being strongly associated with the smart card industry, we offer the opportunity to add biometrics to complement these products, rather than offering a substituting product or solution that other biometric solutions may do. Biometrics gain its full potential when associated with a second factor for identification. Using Match-on-Card technology enhances the smart card industry offering and integrates naturally in the existing infrastructure in that industry.
By contributing to the industry by engaging in standardization bodies and activities and driving this development, we aim to offer interoperability for the end customers, which is a major driver for expansion and growth of the industry.
What do you think will be the next ‘big thing’ in the biometric security industry?
In the near future, the enterprise market will open up through the introduction of Match-on-Card natively integrated with .NET cards and Windows platforms. This will reduce costs and simplify purchasing, implementation, usage and maintenance of an employee ID solution, and will be the break into a highly interesting segment and usage area.
Which region do you think is the focal point of the biometric security market and what are the emerging technologies in this sector?
National ID cards is the biggest and fastest growing market for biometrics as we see it today. Emerging technologies are contactless cards, and standardized fingerprint images which will provide for interoperability without any damage to the performance of biometric matching algorithms.
For more information, please send your e-mails to swm@infothe.com.
ⓒ2007 www.SecurityWorldMag.com. All rights reserved.
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