Boise Airport Takes a Hands On Approach to Security with Biometric Security Solutions from Recognition Systems Inc. (RSI)
CAMPBELL, CA – August 27, 2002 – Recognition Systems Inc. (RSI), the biometrics division of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (NYSE: IR), today announced that its biometric security solutions are now being incorporated and evaluated at Boise Airport, as well as other international and regional airports in the United States, such as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose, CA) and Portland International Jetport (Portland, ME).
“Our installation of Recognition Systems’ biometric handreaders exemplifies our commitment to maximize the safety of our environment for employees and the travelers that come through the airport,” said Don Larson, Boise Airport’s information technology manager. “After just six weeks of using the RSI handreaders we are now considering additional areas where we can utilize the technology because we believe it can play an increasingly vital role in helping us meet the heightened security and safety demands we now face.”
Currently, Boise Airport, along with Portland International and Mineta San Jose international are using RSI’s biometric handreader verification systems to protect and control access to various areas within the airports. AIC Solutions of Boise, which coordinates all electronic security systems for the airport, handled the installation of the RSI biometric unit.
The RSI handreader analyzes more than 90 unique measurements of the size and shape of a person’s hand, taking only a few seconds to complete, and then compares that information to a central database that tracks and monitors employee movements and access to sensitive areas.
"The Boise Airport continues to be on the cutting edge of new technologies that improve the safety of our skies. Through this pilot project, Boise will become a model for all our nation's airports," said Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID), a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee. "The handreader system allows officials to carefully monitor who has access to sensitive areas inside the airport. By utilizing this technology, passengers can rest assured that their safety is the airport's number one priority."
As the world's leading provider of biometric solutions, RSI has more than 60,000 of its innovative handreaders installed in high volume, sensitive applications, such as government facilities, office buildings, hospitals, universities, power plants, and airports across the globe.
Earlier this year, Salt Lake City International Airport selected RSI handreaders to further enhance its security measures. For more than a decade, RSI biometric handreaders have represented a key security component at San Francisco International Airport, where more than 18,000 airport employees use the handreaders daily to access all critical air operations areas, including access to tarmacs.
RSI technology also is used at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, where it helps verify the identity of some 50,000 passengers per month. This trusted traveler program has been sited as a model for potential use here in the U.S. to speed airline passengers through tightened security.
About Boise Airport
Boise Airport serves nearly 3 million annual passengers in southwestern Idaho and will celebrate the opening of a terminal building expansion in April 2003. For more information, visit www.boise-airport.com
About Recognition Systems
With more than 60,000 hand geometry units throughout the world reading millions of hands each day, Recognition Systems, founded in 1986, is the pioneer in hand recognition technology used in access control, time and attendance and identification applications. The company is the world sales leader of biometric verification devices and serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Campbell, Calif. The hand geometry website is www.handreader.com. The phone number is 408-341-4100. Recognition Systems is the biometric division of Ingersoll-Rand Company (NYSE: IR). The Ingersoll-Rand website is www.irco.com
About Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited
IR is a leading innovation and solutions provider for the major global markets of Security and Safety, Climate Control, Industrial Productivity and Infrastructure. The company's diverse product portfolio encompasses such leading industrial and commercial brands as Schlage locks and security solutions; Thermo King transport temperature control equipment; Hussmann commercial and retail refrigeration equipment; Bobcat compact equipment; Club Car golf cars and utility vehicles: Torrington bearings and components; PowerWorks microturbines; and Ingersoll-Rand industrial and construction equipment. In addition, IR offers products and services under many other premium brands for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Further information on IR can be found on the company's web site at www.irco.com.
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