News Release

Verhaert and Keyware form a partnership to integrate smart card applications

Keyware, the world's leading provider of biometric authentication solutions, and Verhaert Customised Systems, a business unit of the leading product development group Verhaert announced today a partnership to integrate innovative card applications. The two companies plan to offer total solutions based on smart card technologies that are tailored to future applications in the retail, entertainment and traffic markets.

Through this co-operation Keyware will develop card applications for Verhaert's customised terminals for loyalty and branding purposes. In the past, the Keyware Smart Card division and Verhaert already worked together on several projects including a POS terminal for retail, card loading & redeeming Terminal for closed networks, etc�

"With the formalisation of this co-operation, Keyware and Verhaert will be able to address the market with our combined skills and increase our reaction time and flexibility," says Bart Carpentier, Business Unit Manager of Verhaert Customised Systems.

"This partnership agreement is a multi-level collaboration that will allow Keyware's software capabilities and Verhaert expertise to develop and manufacture customised terminals," Jean Claeys, managing director of the Keyware Smart Card Division. "Besides project realisation and providing technical support to each other, both companies will streamline our business development efforts."

This partnership is part of Verhaert 's growth strategy in multi-user ICT applications. Besides this agreement Verhaert will sign in the coming weeks similar agreements in different ICT sectors, strengthening its market position as leading supplier of customised equipment.

Verhaert is Belgium's pioneer in integrated product and system development services. Its activities are well known and appreciated by leading system integrators in high-tech markets and cover all aspects of new products development and manufacturing.

The ability to integrate latest technology and commercial off-the-shelf components (COTS) in user-friendly terminals supports the clients' strategy in bringing new innovative applications to its customers.

Besides innovation, Verhaert strives for flexibility in its development and production services, guaranteeing fast responses and optimised time-to-markets.

The understanding of the importance of a good user interaction and corporate identity combined with the ability to analyse clients' requirements provides the starting point for customised solutions hence strengthening corporate identity and the efficiency of its distribution.

For more information regarding Verhaert, please contact us at [email protected] or visit us: www.verhaert.com

Founded in 1996, Keyware is the world's leading provider of a broad range of authentication solutions for real-world business applications, and a pioneer in the field of biometrics, the technology of verifying an individual by means of personal characteristics such as voice, face and fingerprints. Keyware's LBV - Layered Biometric Verification™ technology allows companies to manage multiple authentication techniques, including biometrics, from one central server. This central authentication server optimizes security and convenience for physical locations, e-commerce, network, smart cards and telecommunications applications. Keyware's award-winning technology is sold globally through an extended network of OEMs, system integrators and VARs. Co-headquartered in Belgium and Woburn, Mass., you can find more information about Keyware at www.keyware.com .