She will continue to support the work of the Alliance as Special Advisor to the Board

New York, NY, February 27, 2002–The Smart Card Alliance, the largest smart card oriented non-profit entity in the world, formed by the merger in December 2000 of the Smart Card Industry Association (SCIA) and The Smart Card Forum (SCF), announced today that Donna Farmer, President and CEO of the association, would be leaving to form her own company. Ms. Farmer has held her position with the association since 1998, serving first as President and CEO of the Smart Card Forum and then of the Alliance after its formation.

During these years, Ms. Farmer helped the organization grow into the most influential non-profit organization in the smart card arena. Today, the Alliance enjoys a strong core membership representing all the different market segments, and it sponsors strong initiatives focused on delivering value to the members and advancing the acceptance and deployment of smart cards in North America. The Alliance’s Digital Security Initiative and the Secure ID Task Force have helped to educate many on the value of smart cards for authentication.

Ms. Farmer’s new company will focus on secure ID programs and authentication, offering a range of consulting services, and marketing support. Ms. Farmer will continue her involvement with the Smart Card Alliance and the work of its initiatives, from her new position as a Special Advisor to the Board of Directors.

“I have really enjoyed working with members of the Alliance over these past years to encourage deployment of smart card technology, and I am excited by the potential for broad, near-term smart card acceptance in North America. The company I am forming will focus on the secure ID and authentication fields,” said Donna Farmer.

“While we regret Donna’s decision to leave at this time, I speak on behalf of all Alliance members in sharing with you our appreciation of Donna’s contribution to the Alliance and my sincere best wishes for her continued success in the future. We welcome her ongoing support for the Alliance in her new role as a Special Advisor to the Board of Directors,” said Paul Beverly, Chairman of the Smart Card Alliance.

About the Smart Card Alliance

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for profit, multi-industry association of member firms working to accelerate the widespread acceptance of multiple applications for smart card technology. Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations, and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. For more information please visit http://www.securetechalliance.org.