ImageWare to Add Biometric and Smart Card Capabilities at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
SAN DIEGO, CA, March 17, 2003 - ImageWare Systems, Inc. (AMEX: IW)
today announced that it has signed a contract to upgrade the Company's aviation ID software at the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport. This agreement was concluded through Johnson Controls, Inc., a global leader in facility management and controls, based in Milwaukee, WI.
Under the terms of the agreement, ImageWare will enhance the Airport's existing ID system by incorporating advanced biometric and smart card capabilities to provide secure access control. Sea-Tac is currently using ImageWare's technologies to create and produce professional, tamper-resistant photo identification cards. The relationship between Sea-Tac and ImageWare dates back to 1998.
"We are pleased to further expand our relationship with Sea-Tac," commented Jim Miller, ImageWare's chairman and CEO. "Incorporating biometrics and smart card capabilities into identification cards is an integral component of today's airport security. ImageWare's ID solutions provide the flexibility to enhance existing systems while meeting new and evolving security requirements."
Designed specifically for the airport industry, ImageWare's aviation ID software is a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution for employee record management and large-scale production of professional, tamper resistant photo-identification badges. For added security, ImageWare's aviation ID solution supports the ability to read and encode magnetic stripes, proximity cards and smart cards, complete with biometric information. In addition, custom interfaces can be designed to work seamlessly with access control, human resources, financial, training and AFIS livescan systems.
About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls, Inc., is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 2002 totaled $20.1 billion. For more information on Johnson Controls, Inc., visit the company's web site at www.johnsoncontrols.com.
About ImageWare Systems, Inc.
ImageWare Systems, Inc. (AMEX:IW), is a leading developer and provider of identity management solutions, providing biometric, secure credential, law enforcement and digital imaging technologies. Scalable for worldwide deployment, the Company's biometric product line includes a multi-biometric engine that is hardware and algorithm independent, enabling the enrollment and management of unlimited population sizes. ImageWare's identification products are used to manage and issue secure credentials including national IDs, passports, driver licenses, smart cards and access control credentials. ImageWare's digital booking products provide law enforcement with integrated mug shot, fingerprint Livescan and investigative capabilities. The Company also provides comprehensive digital workflow solutions for the professional photography industry. ImageWare is headquartered in San Diego, with offices in Washington DC and Canada. For more information visit www.iwsinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these statements are meant to convey to the public the company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management's opinion. While management believes such representation to be true and accurate based on the information available to the company, actual results may differ materially from those described. The company's operations and business prospects are always subject to risks and uncertainties. Important facts that may cause actual results to differ are set forth in the company’s periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
