BusinessWire
November 07, 2005 04:00 AM US Pacific Timezone

NEC Solutions America and Shimon Systems Bring NEC Fingerprint Matching Technology to Embedded Devices; NEC Ports its Best-In-Class Fingerprint Matching Technology to Low-Cost Embedded Devices

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2005--NEC Solutions (America), Inc., a premier provider of integrated solutions for the Connected Enterprise in North America, today announced that its best-in-class fingerprint matching technology will soon be available on low-cost embedded devices and commercial applications, allowing enterprises to improve information security, minimize associated help-desk costs and realize immediate workforce productivity gains -- regardless of location.

The breakthrough comes via an agreement between NEC Solutions America and Shimon Systems, a provider of secure, biometrics-based solutions that allow enterprises to address problems with passwords. Under the terms of the agreement, NEC's Positive Identification (PID) system will be integrated with the Shimon Biometrics-Embedded Module (BIO-EM with and without Ethernet) solution from Shimon Systems. According to International Biometrics Group, the market for fingerprint-based security systems is expected to grow from $510 million in 2003 to over $2.5 billion by 2008.

"Leveraging NEC's expertise in fingerprint biometrics with Shimon's extremely cost-efficient and versatile platforms for fingerprint feature extraction, matching and storage creates an affordable security solution for our customers," said Phil Scarfo, senior vice president, Public Sector Division of NEC Solutions America. "Together, we can deliver a sophisticated solution to rapidly growing markets, such as healthcare, banking, public sector and public safety, for non-forensic fingerprint-based security systems."

NEC's PID is the key to achieving the highest level of accuracy in identity verification using fail-safe biometric parameters. Boasting a fully customizable and scalable architecture, the PID system has been combined with Shimon's embedded devices to offer customers a flexible design, improved efficiency, lower cost and adaptable portability. Fully scalable to meet the needs of large and small environments, the joint solution will be capable of identifying and verifying individuals from just one or two finger images.

The joint solution replaces insecure passwords with fingerprint matching to control access at e-commerce, ATM or physical access systems, and enables enterprises of all sizes to control access at each of these highly critical entry points.

"As a major participant in the small- to medium-sized enterprise security market, we chose to work with NEC because of its leadership in large-scale fingerprint matching solutions," said Dr. Baldev Krishan, president and CEO, Shimon Systems, Inc. "Combining the best of both worlds, we are confident our joint expertise will result in immediate, long-term benefits for our customers. Together we will deliver exceptional fingerprint biometric solutions to the commercial corporate security market."

Through the integration of NEC's PID system with Shimon's end-to-end fingerprint biometrics platform, customers will benefit from a complete, standalone authentication solution with easily customizable hardware and software to accommodate design needs.

About Shimon Systems

Shimon Systems provides complete biometric end-to-end solutions for various markets seeking more secure authentication. Our solutions include the client side, as well as the server side hardware and software. In addition, Shimon Systems can customize biometric authentication solutions based on market/end customer needs. Shimon Systems also offers a biometric authentication server (Shimon Biometric Appliance(TM)), PASSWORD FREEDOM(TM) (for PC clients) and Simple-Sign-On(TM) products for USB memory devices with fingerprint authentication. Shimon Systems was founded and is run by entrepreneurs who have successfully managed high-tech businesses. Shimon Systems has a software development facility in India and sales/support office in Japan.

About NEC Solutions (America), Inc.

NEC Solutions (America), Inc. is a premier provider of integrated solutions for the Connected Enterprise in North America. As an affiliate of NEC Corporation (NASDAQ:NIPNY) (FTSE:6701q.1), NEC Solutions America taps into a global resource network to help clients leverage technology to achieve a competitive edge. From corporate performance management and biometric security solutions to digital cinema and in-theatre advertising systems, visual displays and server solutions, the expertise is delivered with the personal attention needed to address individual situations. With headquarters in Rancho Cordova, California, NEC Solutions America serves a wide range of markets, including the healthcare and public safety, financial services, cinema, retail and manufacturing markets. Information regarding NEC Solutions America can be found at www.necsam.com.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. (C)2005 NEC Solutions (America), Inc. All Rights Reserved.