Digital Identification Solutions, a German ID supplier, has launched its new EDIsecure Card Management Software Suite, CMS 4.0, that includes extended functionality and a new graphical user interface for its two stand-alone editions, CMS Standard and CMS Standard Plus.

Designed to meet most budgets, the software suite consists of four different editions with increasing functionality and offers a range of features for different applications, such as employee and visitor cards, access control, membership and loyalty cards, driver licenses, and photo IDs. The GUI in the two stand-alone editions utilizes familiar Microsoft-like controls. 
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Security systems manufacturer Hirsch Electronics has named Rob Zivney to the newly created position of vice president, business development, to enable the Santa Ana, Calif. company to expand its resources in the digital identity market arena.

Zivney serves on the Security Industry Association board of directors, chairs SIA’s Personal Identity Verification Working Group and serves on standards committees for both SIA and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on behalf of the security industry regarding implementation of the PIV card mandated by HSPD-12. 
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by Zack Martin, Editor, Avisian Publications

There’s been a lot of discussion about using the Personal Identity Verification credential outside of the federal government. First responders are the biggest group to discuss issuance of an interoperable credential, but other jurisdictions also want to issue the ID to employees.

The problem was that the PIV/FIPS 201 specification was for federal employees and contractors and didn’t translate seamlessly to other areas. One of the primary differences is the required identity vetting processes, but there were some technical challenges too. This changed in May when a new Personal Identity Verification Interoperability For Non-Federal Issuers standard was released. 
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The October meeting of the Government Smart Card Interagency Advisory Board (IAB) was recently held in Washington D.C. FIPS201.com was on hand to cover the event and has provided, as a service to the IAB and the smart card community, an audio recording of the presentations. Click on the link below to access a list of audio and accompanying PowerPoint slides (in pdf format).

Visit FIPS201.com to hear the presentations and view the slides.  

Stockholders of SCM Microsystems, Inc. a provider of secure access and identity solutions, have approved a 20 million share increase to the number of common shares authorized under the company’s certificate of incorporation, paving the way for SCM to continue to pursue mergers and acquisitions, which, the company says, are an important component of its growth strategy. 
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Discussions about identity and trust highlighted the 8th Annual Smart Cards in Government Conference that concluded today in Washington, D.C.

From healthcare to more efficient government information system development to Internet security, knowing with whom you are dealing and being able to authenticate their identity online is a top issue for the federal government. And as identity takes on greater urgency in Washington, the importance of smart card technology becomes increasingly evident to policy makers and government IT executives. 
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The Smart Card Alliance announced its 2009-2010 board and seven-member executive committee. Elections were held during the 8th Annual Smart Cards in Government Conference, taking place at the Washington DC Convention Center.

The Smart Card Alliance elected executive committee is made up of the following board members: 
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