New platform delivers enhanced productivity for personalization of various form factors such as USB keys, SIM plug-in cards, key fobs and SD/MMC type cards

Paris, November 13, 2007–Datacard Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalization solutions, launches the Datacard® ICP8000™ smart objects personalization system today at Cartes 2007 (Booth #3D 043). This complete and secure solution allows the chip encoding and printing of a variety of contact and contactless objects with a throughput of up to 20,000 objects per hour.

“The card industry is rapidly evolving towards large programs and deployments involving non-card devices. Smart USB tokens, SIM plug-in cards, secure SD/MMC cards, key fobs and semicon packaging are just a few examples of how smart objects are now promoted in various markets around the world. They offer convenience, security and portability.” said François Drisse, business development manager for Datacard Group. “The ICP8000 system is the only system we are aware of on the market today that can personalize several form factors in volume with exceptional performances and a high level of security,” Drisse added.

The ICP8000 system supports ISO, MMC and USB protocols with more than 100 megabits per second of data transfer. Highly modular and customizable, it addresses a broad range of issuance functionalities. Objects requiring personalization are stored in JEDEC-type trays during the whole process. A separate delivery/fulfillment system is also offered by Datacard Group to gather each object directly from output trays and insert it into the final packaging.

“The ICP8000 system simplifies bureaus and system integrators’ transition to alternative form factors,” said Sébastien Tormos, head of global marketing for Datacard Group. “In addition to supporting the personalization of semicon packaging for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, the new system makes the secure loading of multimedia contents and software applications into secure portable devices such as USB keys and secure SD/MMC type cards possible.”

Datacard Group offers the world’s best-selling secure ID and card personalization solutions. The company’s portfolio includes systems for high-volume card issuance, card delivery, secure ID issuance and passport production, plus extensive service and supply offerings. Datacard Group serves customers in more than 120 countries (http://www.datacard.com).

Datacard Group

Sébastien Tormos
+1 952.988.2825
sebastien_tormos@datacard.com