GSC-IS V2.1 Compliant iCLASS Readers Output Federal Agency Smart Credential Number in Multiple Configurations Meeting Standard Communication Protocol

IRVINE, Calif., July 14, 2004–HID, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, today announced support for the United States Government Smart Card Interoperability Specification (GSC-IS) Version 2.1 (V2.1) based on the company’s iCLASS 13.56 MHz contactless smart card technology. These GSC-IS V2.1 compliant readers output the Federal Agency Smart Credential Number (FASC-N) in multiple configurations that meet the U.S. Government’s standard communication protocol established to create an open system environment enabling all cards and readers to communicate regardless of the manufacturer in addition to supporting existing and new access control systems. “We’re committed to supporting GSC-IS V2.1 and future versions of these specifications with our iCLASS cards and readers,” said Anthony Hanseder, HID’s vice president of Product Marketing. “We believe in the importance of delivering compliant readers and working with organizations such as the U.S. government to benefit from our expanding iCLASS technology offering.”

iCLASS is a read/write contactless smart card technology solution that is optimized for applications including access control, IT secure authentication, cashless vending, biometric template and critical information storage, and other related access control applications. iCLASS offers enhanced security through encryption including DES and triple-DES utilizing a secure algorithm, cryptographic data storage, secure data read/write, mutual authentication, and user-definable access keys. iCLASS readers are offered with a variety of standards including ISO 15693 and ISO 14443 and are compatible with the most widely used credentials in access control including PICOPASS™ and TI-RFid™, Mifare® DESfire™, Ultralight and Standard credentials utilized in government and commercial applications. Please contact HID for more information on available options.

About HID Corporation

As the largest manufacturer of contactless access control readers and cards for the security industry, HID has shipped over 150 million credentials to customers worldwide. HID pioneered the development of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for physical access control. Proximity and iCLASS™ technologies can be housed on the same credential and combined with other technologies such as magnetic stripe, barcode, or contact smart chip modules. This provides users the ability to leverage their investment in existing systems while seamlessly upgrading to new technologies and adding new applications. For increased security, users can add a photo ID or anti-counterfeiting element such as a hologram or ultraviolet ink. HID’s experience in developing card technologies enables them to play a critical role in the evolution and adoption of contactless smart card technology used for applications such as access control, IT secure authentication, digital cash, the storage of biometric templates, and the storage and retrieval of critical information. For more information on HID, visit http://www.hidcorp.com.

HID and iCLASS are trademarks of HID Corporation. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.