VISGE Viisage Technology (MM)

First Driver's License Program in the Country to Use Combination of Viisage PROOF(TM) and FaceEXPLORER(TM) Face Recognition Technology to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud Viisage (Nasdaq: VISGE), a leading provider of advanced technology identity solutions, today announced the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has awarded the Company a $1.9 million contract to implement the Viisage PROOF(TM) product in combination with its leading FaceEXPLORER(TM) face recognition technology. The solutions will be utilized to ensure the integrity of an applicant's identity before a driver's license is issued. The Connecticut DMV is taking the complete approach to proofing an individual's identity upfront, before the applicant receives their license, to reduce the possibility of identity theft and fraud. Connecticut is among the first of the states taking steps to comply with new standards set by the REAL ID Act to create a more secure credential through use of document authentication, document image capture, identity verification, and digital facial image capture. Following recent instances of fraud found in Connecticut DMV processes, Connecticut Commissioner Ralf J. Carpenter resolved to take decisive steps toward eliminating the problem of identity fraud and identity theft in the state. After careful analysis of solution options, the Connecticut DMV chose Viisage's FaceEXPLORER and Viisage PROOF products. Viisage PROOF automatically validates an applicant's claimed identity using patented software and scanning technology that analyzes and records documents presented during the driver's license application process, examining their security features for authenticity. Viisage PROOF's analytic engine then uses the applicant's document information, demographic information and information from known data sources to evaluate the claimed identity. To further investigate potential identity fraud FaceEXPLORER(TM) uses face recognition technology to compare the applicant's live image against images within the states DMV database. This helps operators ensure that only one ID is issued per individual and assists in discovery and investigation of duplicate identities in the database. The result of this process is a vetted identity record which the state can use to create a driver's license. "We are very eager to realize the benefits offered by the Viisage face recognition and proofing solution," said Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. "Protecting our citizens and the integrity of our driver's license is a top priority in the fight against identity theft and fraud. The collaboration between Viisage and the Department of Motor Vehicles on implementation of face recognition and proofing arms us with the ability to more effectively protect our citizens in this fight." "We have learned first hand through our customers about the effects of identity theft and fraud, and our products and solutions have been designed to directly tackle these growing concerns," said Bernard Bailey, President and CEO of Viisage. "The REAL ID Act and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 are driving both State and Federal Government agencies to address these issues in order to better protect the identities and privacy of our citizens. Connecticut's initiative places the state at the forefront of these efforts and we are delighted to be part of this groundbreaking program, which we believe can serve as a model to other states and federal government agencies." About Viisage Viisage (NASDAQ: VISGE) delivers advanced technology identity solutions for governments, law enforcement agencies and businesses concerned with enhancing security, reducing identity theft, and protecting personal privacy. Viisage solutions include secure credentials such as passports and drivers' licenses, biometric technologies for uniquely linking individuals to those credentials, and credential authentication technologies to ensure the documents are valid before individuals are allowed to cross borders, gain access to finances, or granted other privileges. With over 3,000 installations worldwide, Viisage's identity solutions stand out as a result of the Company's industry-leading technology and unique understanding of customer needs. Viisage's product suite includes FaceTOOLS(R) SDK, Viisage PROOF(TM), FaceEXPLORER(R), iA-thenticate(R), BorderGuard(R), FacePASS(TM) and FaceFINDER(R). This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this document and those made from time to time by Viisage through its senior management are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to the future events or financial performance discussed in this release, based on management's beliefs and assumptions and information currently available. When used, the words "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "project", "should", "expect", "plan", "assume" and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements concerning future plans or results are necessarily only estimates and actual results could differ materially from expectations. Certain factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among other things, the size and timing of contract awards, performance on contracts, availability and cost of key components, unanticipated results from audits of the financial results of the Company and acquired companies, changing interpretations of generally accepted accounting principles, outcomes of government reviews, developments with respect to litigation to which we are a party, potential fluctuations in quarterly results, dependence on large contracts and a limited number of customers, lengthy sales and implementation cycles, market acceptance of new or enhanced products and services, proprietary technology and changing competitive conditions, system performance, management of growth, dependence on key personnel, ability to obtain project financing, general economic and political conditions and other factors affecting spending by customers, the unpredictable nature of working with government agencies and other risks, uncertainties and factors including those described from time to time in Viisage's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, Viisage's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Viisage expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.