Security Market Industry Leader Achieves Milestone with Deployment of iCLASS® Contactless Smart Cards in the Second Largest City in the United States

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 31, 2004–HID, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control readers and cards for the security industry, today announced it has reached a major milestone by shipping its 200 millionth credential (access control cards, keys and fobs). This milestone shipment was delivered to the government offices of the City of Los Angeles (the City) for use by employees that serve the second largest city in the United States.

The access control system is managed by the City’s Department of General Services (GSD), Security Systems Division with responsibility for protecting City employees and elected officials as they utilize the various facilities within the City of Los Angeles including historic City Hall. The City’s GSD oversees security for over 900 buildings with varying levels of security for approximately 40,000 public service employees.

“This event marks a significant milestone in HID’s history as the rate of adoption of our iCLASS contactless smart card technology continues to accelerate around the world,” said Denis Hébert, president of HID. “We’re especially proud to commemorate this achievement with the City of Los Angeles, a long-term HID customer that shares our commitment for delivering secure and convenient access control.”

The City of Los Angeles selected an iCLASS and Prox combination card that features 13.56 MHz contactless smart card and 125 kHz proximity technology into a single, ISO standard card. They also elected to take part in HID’s Corporate 1000 Program that provides them with a unique 35-bit card format developed specifically for the City and furnishes over one million plus individual card numbers within their assigned format. The assigned numbers are tracked during the manufacturing process to ensure that card numbers are never duplicated. These Corporate 1000 cards enable the City to issue a single, universal card for use by employees for multiple sites and purposes–from access to expense tracking for example. To combat counterfeiting, a hologram of the city seal was used on the iCLASS cards. The hologram, embedded during the manufacturing process, has increased security in that the authenticity of each card can easily be visually verified.

“GSD has deployed HID access cards and readers throughout the City’s buildings for more than four years and we are proud to furnish City employees with credentials that provide them with a tool that protects them everyday,” said Dwayne Healy, security technology administrator for the City of Los Angeles General Services Department and project manager for the City’s recent multi-million dollar security upgrades. “We also look forward to offering additional services to City employees that will take advantage of iCLASS technology for multiple application support such as storing biometric templates and other functions beyond standard physical access security.”

About HID Corporation

HID is the premier global supplier of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry. With over 200 million credentials (cards, fobs and keys) in use worldwide, HID leads the industry in 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz RFID card and reader technology for a wide range of applications including access control, IT secure authentication, time and attendance, digital cash/cashless vending, automotive vehicle identification, and biometric verification. HID’s award-winning product line includes iCLASS® 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards and readers, 125 kHz proximity, magnetic stripe, and Wiegand technology cards and readers. The company also provides specialized card manufacturing services including custom pre-printed graphics, micro printing and anti-counterfeiting elements, holograms or ultraviolet ink for increased card security. HID is headquartered in Irvine, California, with international offices supporting more than 100 countries. The company is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group. To learn more, please visit http://www.hidcorp.com.