Datastrip’s DSVII-SC becomes first handheld biometric ID reader with built-in HID iCLASS support

06 April, 2006 — LAS VEGAS – Datastrip at ISC West announced that its DSVII-SC handheld biometric/smart card reader has expanded support for HID iCLASS 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards, becoming the first portable identity verification device to offer built-in iCLASS read/write capabilities.

The upgrade eliminates the need for an add-on Compact Flash reader, leaves the DSVII-SC’s CF slot free for other uses, speeds decoding of iCLASS data, simplifies iCLASS-related programming on the Datastrip unit, and extends the DSVII-SC’s battery life. These new capabilities were achieved by embedding HID’s new OEM150 module inside the DSVII-SC and equipping the unit with a new smart card interface.

With the enhancement, enterprises that deploy iCLASS cards can now use the Datastrip reader to extend identity checks beyond fixed doorways far more easily and efficiently than before. The DSVII-SC can:

– Read any data on the iCLASS card, including photos, fingerprints, training certifications, time and attendance, security clearance levels and e-wallet values, and simultaneously use the built-in 500 dpi fingerprint sensor to match a live fingerprint to a biometric template stored on the card.

– Write new data to the iCLASS card on the spot, making it possible to perform tasks such as adding training credentials at the point of testing, recording time and attendance, loading an e-wallet, and verifying that a college student has taken a test without forcing the user to go to a badging system in another location.

– Be used anywhere with no fixed readers, including hallways, parking lots, sidewalks, construction sites, campus buses, streets, tarmacs and so on. Other uses range from stadium event management (to scan cards to verify ticket purchases, identify seat assignments, and check for legal drinking age) to mustering in an emergency situation (to quickly determine which employees may be inside a building by comparing scanned cards to a stored database).

“Handheld identification terminals like Datastrip’s DSVII-SC extend the perimeter of access control system beyond areas that are equipped with hard-wired readers. This makes it possible to read iCLASS credentials at an outside gate instead of a building’s front door, screen attendees at offsite meetings, and even use an iCLASS card for non-security applications like e-wallets,” said Nathan Cummings, HID’s Director of Product Line Management, Reader Technologies. “This fits precisely with the multi-use, multi-application capabilities of our iCLASS platform.”

“HID’s status in the physical access control market makes it imperative that users have a robust portable identity verification solution that works seamlessly with iCLASS cards while also supporting the full range of applications that these smart cards can accommodate,” said Neil Fallon, Datastrip Commercial Sales Director. “With the newest release of our DSVII-SC reader, we are providing the first portable hardware solution that is truly integrated with iCLASS technology for fast, easy use in mobile environments.”

Datastrip’s DSVII-SC can connect to a wired or wireless network for checking a cardholder’s credentials against a back-end database; house an on-board database for standalone operation without network connectivity; store data for later transfer to a primary database; and support all major fingerprint algorithms including Cogent, NEC, Motorola’s Printrak, Identix and Bioscrypt.

The Datastrip unit runs on the Windows CE.NET operating system for easy development of custom applications, utilizes a SH4 RISC processor that supports fast biometric matching as well as more complex applications, and has a base weight of just two pounds for easy portability.

The DSVII-SC with built-in iCLASS read/write capabilities will be available in Q3.

About Datastrip
Datastrip is a leading provider of biometric verification devices and 2D bar code software with associated hardware. Datastrip and its integration partners provide total solutions for production of ID cards, passports, national ID cards, driver’s licenses, voter registration cards, health cards, financial cards, birth certificates and other identity documents, as well as mobile AFIS and biometric verification systems. For more information, call 800-548-2517 or visit www.datastrip.com.

About HID Global
HID Global is a leading supplier and manufacturer in the access control industry, serving customers worldwide with proximity and contactless smart card technologies; central station managed access controllers; secure and custom card solutions; digital identity and photo card management software solutions; and electronic cylinders. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HID Global operates international offices that support more than 100 countries and is a member of ASSA ABLOY Global Technologies Division. For more information on HID, visit www.hidcorp.com.