New EasyRead™ Handheld Device Advances ID Management and Security for Airports, Immigration and Border Patrols

WAYNE, Pa. (May 13, 2009) — Datastrip has launched its next generation EasyRead™ handheld biometric reader for the secure verification of travel documents. The EasyRead is the first and only mobile biometric device offering a one-step inspection procedure for securely validating Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) and verifying document holders. The EasyRead also provides features to support identity management for e-passports, as well as national ID cards, visas and other ID programs.

The EasyRead reads and inspects first- and second-generation e-passports and other documents in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 9303 standard and extended access control specifications. The device also reads border-crossing credentials and government-issued documents supporting US-VISIT and NEXUS Border Crossing programs.

“Datastrip’s EasyRead travel document reader has been developed to provide airport and immigration officers with one-step, on-the-spot ID verification where product reliability is essential for security,” said Joe Delaney, Datastrip’s vice president of sales and marketing. “This advance in ID management will help ensure the safety of thousands of travelers that cross international borders each day.”

The EasyRead’s optical camera-based scanner can capture two or three lines of machine-readable data from passports, ID cards and visas, in addition to barcode symbologies. The 508 dpi NIST-approved capacitive fingerprint sensor captures high-quality scans for fingerprint authentication of biometric data if stored in these credentials. The EasyRead supports cryptography, certificate and key management to implement seamless solutions for identity management programs.

Additionally, the EasyRead’s high-capacity data storage and hot-swappable replacement batteries boost its efficiency and reliability in the field. The unit’s capabilities also can be expanded to include Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi and cellular network connectivity to remote databases.

Datastrip’s handheld EasyRead biometric device is also available for non-travel applications, including corrections, law enforcement and emergency first response, and with options for additional biometrics.

About Datastrip
Datastrip is a world leader in field-proven handheld biometric readers for identity verification. Datastrip specializes in providing secure, multimodal biometric solutions that provide on-the-spot ID verification for government, military, law enforcement, travel, security and Fortune 500 commercial markets. Datastrip products support applications requiring facial, fingerprint and iris biometrics; 2-D barcode and smartcards; and travel documents, including passports, visas and e-passports. For more information, visit www.datastrip.com, or call U.S. (800) 548-2517, U.K. +44 (0) 1844 215 668.