Latest Smart card News

Sundance Launches New Image Processing Development Platform for Security Systems
posted on 25/10/2006

Image processing is an essential part of everyday life. In hospital, scanning equipment is delivering instant and more accurate images for doctors. In industry, simulators of all kinds enable complex and often hazardous tasks to be practiced in artificially created worlds. Security systems from iris scanning to automatic number plate recognition all depend on image capture, processing and interpretation. Many applications also rely on the ability to achieve high data compression rates specified by H.264 and MPEG-4, the natural replacement for the overworked MPEG-2 standard. A new FPGA and DSP co-design platform for developing image processing equipment, the SMT339, has been launched by Sundance Multiprocessor Systems. At the core of the new board are the Texas Instruments (TI) TMS320DM642 DSP-based digital media processor and Xilinx Virtex-4 FX-60 FPGA. TI’s TMS320DM642 processor has been specially designed to optimise image processing performance with a capability of 5760MIPS at... [more]

Ultra Electronics releases Magicard Avalon Duo double-sided colour ID card printer
posted on 25/10/2006

Featuring a robust metal print engine, and a 2 year limited warranty across the EU and North America, the Avalon Duo offers a high quality solution for duplex card production. Double-sided printing offers convenience for one-stop ID card issuance, as well as the ability to batch print for mid to high volume applications. Magicard prints the HoloKote security watermark on the ID card using standard dye film, without requiring additional lamination. The HoloKote watermark is a free security feature available through the printer driver. As part of the Magicard Badging series of printers, the Avalon Duo complements the Avalon single-sided printer in offering value to those users who need a dependable double-sided colour ID card printer at a budget price. Price: €2650 suggested retail price for the printer, and €0.35 per colour side for the dye film.... [more]

SafeNet K3 card for Luna HSMs receives FIPS 201 approval for cryptographic modules
posted on 25/10/2006

By implementing a FIPS 201-certified HSM as part of the HSPD-12 mandate, federal agencies are able to maximise on their investment to generate, store and protect cryptographic key material securely in applications requiring advanced PIV requirements. In addition to providing a high level of security, the FIPS 201 certification provides assurance of interoperability between the HSM and other components of HSPD-12 such as smartcards, middleware, card credential management system, biometrics and a physical access system. This interoperability allows agencies to maximise their HSPD-12 investment, as it affords not only compliance, but also helps protect more data. SafeNet, Inc., has announced that the company’s K3 card has received Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201 certification for cryptographic modules. The K3 card, a component in SafeNet’s Luna Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), is the first cryptographic module certified for FIPS 201, making it the first HSM to be cer... [more]

Brivo ACS WebService Application Version 7.1s increases flexibility in controlling access
posted on 25/10/2006

Brivo Systems has announced the release of Version 7.1 of the Brivo ACS WebService Application. The new version provides increased flexibility for unique access control needs. Version 7.1 adds two new functions to enhance access control: Group Activated Schedules and Two-factor Credentials. Group Activated Schedules allow schedules to be linked to a specific group of users. This means that a schedule is not activated until a member of the specified group presents a valid credential. Group Activated Schedules enable two functionalities, referred to as First-Person-In, whereby credential holders from a specific group are designated to enable devices related to that schedule, and Supervisor-on-Site, when a member of the enabling group must present valid credentials to activate the schedule for the devices at that site. For Two-factor Credentials, Administrators can require both a card and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to gain access to a door or device. The requirement may be s... [more]

Evolis opens a branch office in Singapore
posted on 24/10/2006

Evolis, the French manufacturer of plastic card customization solutions, has opened a branch office in Singapore. Evolis consolidates its presence in Asia by opening Evolis Asia Pte. Ltd., a sales branch office in the heart of Singapore, just eighteen months after setting up its first international branch office in Miami, United States. Officially opened in October, Evolis Asia will be fully operational by January 2007. The team initially made up of three sales and customer support professionals will support and develop the local network of distributors and build up close links with integrators to bid on large projects. Evolis has appointed Winston Tan as Sales Manager, APAC. A successful Key Account Manager for a leading international group earlier, Winston Tan has comprehensive sales and technical expertise to give an additional impetus to the growth of Evolis in the Asia-Pacific region. “The Asia-Pacific territory has experienced strong growth over the past 3 years. Singapore i... [more]

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