VIP links up with Iris recognition firm

August 09, 2005 09:01 AM US Eastern Timezone

Iridian Technologies Selected by Verified ID for the Orlando ''Clear'' Registered Traveler Program; Iris Recognition Facilitates Traveler Security Screening Process

MOORESTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 9, 2005--Iridian Technologies, the world leader in the development and commercialization of iris recognition technology, today disclosed that its ProofPositive(TM) technology is the basis for identifying registered travelers with iris recognition in the "Clear" program recently launched by Verified Identity Pass at the Orlando International Airport (OIA). Iridian has joined in this effort with Verified Identity Pass, Inc. and Lockheed Martin.


"CLEAR", a privately run program, offers travelers the opportunity to enroll for an annual fee of $79.95, allowing expedited access at security checkpoints at the airport. The three step enrollment process starts at www.flyclear.com where applicants complete a basic enrollment form. Next, they head to the airport to submit their biometrics (fingerprint and iris images) along with two pieces of government-issued identification at one of the four ClearSpace enrollment stations at Orlando International. Finally, once the application has been screened and approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a Clear Card will be issued for use at the Orlando Airport's ClearLane.

CLEAR is unique in this country as an airport biometric screening program that is managed by a private company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc., founded in 2003 by Steven Brill (www.verifiedidpass.com). Some 30,000 travelers were expected to enroll in the program in Orlando this year, but with more than 6,000 applicants already received in just six weeks of operation, the program is now expected to exceed that target. Verified Identity Pass hopes to expand its services to other airports soon.

"We are delighted that Iridian's market-leading iris recognition technology was chosen as an enabler to help expedite and heighten security procedures at Orlando," said Jerry Ruddle, Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing of Iridian. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Verified Identity Pass and Lockheed Martin on this important deployment. Our relationship sets a firm foundation for enabling other airports and travelers with similar conveniences."

Ruddle further observed, "Traditionally, iris recognition has been known as the most accurate non-invasive biometric, and is now becoming recognized as the most convenient. Users appreciate the speed and the fact that you don't have to touch anything."

Iridian's iris recognition has also been deployed at all five of the TSA's Registered Traveler Pilot Program airports: Minneapolis-St.Paul, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston and Washington D.C.'s Reagan National.

Iridian has experienced rapidly accelerating adoption of its technology over the past two years with other installations, such as Canadian CANPASS program, the US/Canada NEXUS Air immigration program, a United Nations refugee repatriation program and immigration programs in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and Japan.

About Iris Recognition Technology

Iris recognition technology identifies people by the unique patterns of the iris - the colored ring around the pupil of the eye. Iris recognition is non-invasive, easy to use, and the most accurate biometric for secure identification.

Iridian's patented PrivateID technology includes camera drivers for IrisCode template creation using standard video technology without bright lights or lasers. KnoWho Authentication Server is Iridian's highly scalable server that provides interoperability for all Private ID-enabled cameras and applications. This one-to-all security solution ensures individual authentication against millions of records, and is ideal for public-use applications such as border control or simplified passenger travel as well as aid programs and election verification

About Iridian Technologies

Iridian Technologies, Inc. of Moorestown, NJ develops and commercializes software for iris recognition - renowned as one of the most accurate biometric identifiers. The holder of US and international patents behind iris recognition technologies, Iridian offers unparalleled security for public-use applications such as simplified passenger travel, border control, national IDs, as well as physical building access and information access. For more information, visit www.iridiantech.com.

Note: ProofPositive is a trademark of Iridian Technologies, Inc. IrisCode, PrivateID and KnoWho are registered trademarks of Iridian Technologies, Inc.

Contacts


Iridian Technologies, Inc., Moorestown
Talvis McLaughlin, 856-222-3160
tmclaughlin@iridiantech.com